This article is from page 19 of the 2013-03-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
THE Mayor of Ennis says he hopes the twinning arrangement between the town and the American city of Phoenix will last beyond the proposed abolition of Ennis Town Council next year.
Councillor Peter Considine was speaking at civic reception in Waterpark House on Friday held to mark the 25th anniversary of twinning of Ennis and Phoenix.
Since the formation of the twinning relationship in 1988, civic and community leaders from both sides of the Atlantic have visited each other on exchanges and have developed strong ties and personal friendships.
The reception was attended by a large delegation from Phoenix including 35 members of the St Mary’s Catholic High School Marching Band.
There were also performances by young musicians from Barefield National School and Maoin Cheoil an Chláir.
Recalling his first visit to Phoenix in 1976, Cllr Considine paid tribute to the links forged between the two communities over the years. He also expressed hope that the ties would be maintained in the future.
Cllr Considine said, “Once gone these ties are nearly impossible to recreate. Thankfully both Ennis and Phoenix see the benefit of twinning and continue to provide support.
“Even though this council will be finishing up in 18 months time, certainly both the commitment of the elected representatives from this council and the executive is very strongly in favour of this commitment and I hope it will continue into the future.”
He added, “In celebrating our 25th anniversary, we are also celebrating ties that were forged by emigration from Ireland to America and the contribution made in every field by the Irish in America. This Irish/American connection has a long and strong future judging by the links between both our communities.
“The Irish have a close a relationship with the American people that is certain to maintain and enhance that connection. At a time when opportunities were denied to them at home, American provided a road to material progress to millions of Irish men and women. Here they would develop as far as they’re abilities would allow them.”
Cllr Considine said, “At the same time their achievements in their new home provided a source of inspiration for those who stayed in Ireland, clear proof of what they themselves could achieve.
“The economic ties between Ireland and America remain very, very strong. Since the 1960s, America has been responsible for most of the inward investment to Ireland. It was vital in the creation of employment and the building up of our industrial sector.
“Both countries have been working trading partners since colonial times. Likewise, tourism and cultural exchanges are lively and flourishing.”