Providence visitors hear of potential of town twinning arrangement
The Deputy Mayor of Athlone-Moate Municipal District has spoken of the huge opportunities arising from the twinning arrangement between Athlone and Providence in Rhode Island, USA.
Cllr Frankie Keena was speaking at an address of civic welcome for students, teachers, parents and guests, from La Salle Academy, Providence, at Athlone Civic Centre earlier this month.
The students were on an International Arts and Cultural exchange visit with Coláiste Chiaráin.
Eleven students from the Athlone school had travelled to Providence in March, participated in activities including the St Patrick's Day Parade and performed at Providence City Hall as part of Providence's St. Patrick's celebrations.
Cllr Keena said: “The arts are providing the bridge today, but our ambition for the Athlone–Providence relationship is much broader.
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Caoimhe Lyons (Coláiste Chiaráin) entertains the visitors from Providence, Rhode Island on the occasion of the civic reception for invited guests from La Salle Academy last week.Image 2 of 5
Pupils from Coláiste Chiaráin who travelled to Providence last March,Back Row - Lucy Nally (Music Teacher), Aoibh O’Sullivan, Caoimhe Lyons, Jamie Moran, Caitlin Moran, Grace Meares, Maria Naughton and Brendan Waldron (Principal), Front row: John Morris, Sheena Moore, Saoirse Nolan, Mia Plunkett, and Aristide Selve. Photos: Terry O’Neill.Image 3 of 5
Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, Tom Haynes (Providence), Deputy Mayor Cllr Frankie Keena and Cllr Tom Farrell mark the occasion with a presentation of a painting of Athlone.Image 4 of 5
Tommy Hogan (CEO Athlone Chamber), Lucy Nally (Colaiste Chiaráin event co-ordinator), Cllr Aengus O’Rourke and John Henson (Secretary Twinning Committee)Image 5 of 5
Saoirse Nolan, Grace Meares, Hannah St Pierre (Providence), Mia Plunkett and Maria Naughton enjoying the civic reception last week.“We want to explore opportunities for industry and enterprise, education, sport, tourism, culture, community organisations and youth development.”
“There is potential for our business communities, enterprise agencies, educational institutions and young people to learn from each other and explore future opportunities.”
Cllr Keena, in particular, welcomed Joanna Doyle, Vice Principal of La Salle Academy; Thomas Haynes, Director of Arts; and Brian Brouillard, Director of Instrumental Music. He also thanked Principal of Coláiste Chiarain Brendan Waldron and Lucy Nally, Music Teacher. “Lucy has put an enormous amount of time, energy and enthusiasm into bringing these students together through music,” he said.
Cllr Keena also thanked the host families in Athlone for opening their doors to the visitors.
Speaking of the ongoing twinning arrangement, he praised the contribution of Athlone Twinning Committee, in particular, John Henson who he said "was instrumental in initiating the twinning concept with Patrick Griffin in Providence", as well as Mayor Brett Smiley, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan and State Representative Mary Mercier from Providence.
Cllr Keena said: “My hope is that what we are experiencing today will grow into something much bigger.
“And that, ultimately, the people of Athlone and Providence will come to know one another not simply as people from a twinned town, but as friends and partners.”