Twinning links strengthened as Athlone group visits Providence

Public representatives and members of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District have returned from a week in Providence, Rhode Island, during which twinning ties were strengthened.

Six councillors travelled to the US around the St Patrick's Day festivities to mark the first anniversary of the Athlone-Providence twinning agreement as both towns look towards building a stronger future together.

The delegation from Athlone also included senior representatives from across civic, educational, and business sectors, including Athlone Chamber of Commerce CEO Tommy Hogan, representatives from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), CEO of Westmeath County Council Barry Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Aoife Davitt and the principal of Coláiste Chiaráin Brendan Waldron.

A key pillar of the visit was educational exchange. Eleven students from Coláiste Chiaráin travelled as part of a student exchange programme with La Salle Academy in Providence, staying with host families and participating in a rich programme of shared activities.

Cultural collaboration was also strongly represented through a chef exchange programme, with Athlone chefs participating in the Providence Food Festival. This initiative will continue later this year with a return visit from Providence-based chefs to Athlone.

The delegation was honoured at a number of official events, including visits to Providence City Hall and the Rhode Island State House, where formal ceremonies were held. During these engagements, the Mayor of Providence Brett Smiley was presented with an Athlone Crystal bowl with shamrock, symbolising friendship and shared heritage.

Links between Athlone and Providence were officially formalised last year following the twinning of both towns in Providence City Hall on March 6 2025.

On his return to Athlone, Municipal District Mayor Cllr Vinny McCormack said the transatlantic trip had been an "action-packed schedule" which "further enhanced the growing relationship between both towns".

The six-day trip culminated with the elected representatives, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, Cllr Tom Farrell, Cllr John Dolan, Cllr Liam McDaniels and Cllr Frankie Keena, leading the Providence St Patrick's Day parade during which the Mayor said they were "extremely well received" by the locals who had thronged the streets for the occasion.

The councillors were accompanied by students from Coláiste Chiaráin, all of whom were staying with Providence host families over the duration of the US trip.

"During our six-day trip we met with the Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, both of whom demonstrated exceptional commitment to the partnership and were happy to discuss the future prospects for our twinning arrangement," Cllr McCormack said.

"We are continuously looking for ways to explore opportunities which will benefit Athlone in the areas of education, business and tourism and we held discussions with our Providence counterparts on these issues," Cllr McCormack added.

The Mayor said that representatives from TUS Midlands, who numbered amongst the travelling Irish party, are looking to formalise an education link with Brown University in Rhode Island.

The Athlone university has an existing relationship with Providence College which the Mayor said "enriches the lives of students on both sides of the Atlantic".

"We are proud of the educational partnership between Providence College and TUS Athlone. This transatlantic bond creates a bridge, not only of academic exchange, but of cultural understanding, human connection, and mutual respect.

"Through the continued commitment of the educational institutions on both sides of the Atlantic I know that generations of students will share in the benefits of our connection and shared expertise," Cllr McCormack stated.

The Mayor and his five colleagues also attended an economic roundtable discussion with public representatives from a number of key Government departments where commercial and tourism opportunities were discussed.

"We addressed all potential avenues for future development on both sides of the Atlantic to the mutual benefit of our twinning arrangement. I see incredible potential in this moment and a real opportunity to bring tangible economic benefits to our District," Mayor McCormack stated.

Chair of the Athlone–Providence Twinning Committee, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, said the "visit exceeded all expectations and demonstrated the real and tangible value of our twinning relationship with Providence".

"We were given unprecedented access to leaders across business, education, tourism, and Government, and the goodwill towards Athlone was evident at every level.

"What was particularly inspiring was the connection formed between the young people of Athlone and Providence.""The partnerships formed during this visit, particularly in education, enterprise, and cultural exchange, present significant opportunities for Athlone’s future development. Our focus now is to build on this momentum and translate these connections into lasting collaborations that will benefit our community for years to come.”

He said further exchanges and collaborative projects are planned throughout 2026 and beyond.