Galway delegation heads to Germany to celebrate 35 years of twin-city ties
Twin town ties are being celebrated this week as Galway County Council delegates travelled to Germany to honour a 35-year relationship with Tuam.
Tuam Cathaoirleach Mary Hoade, along with Director of Services Michael Owns and Meetings Administrator Geraldine Byrne, are in the Bavarian city of Straubing, Germany this week to celebrate its multi-decade relationship with Tuam.
“The 35th anniversary is a significant milestone for Tuam and Straubing. What began with our shared heritage and cultural connections has developed into a lasting friendship involving schools, community groups, businesses and families,” Cllr Hoade said.
Representatives from Straubing’s other twin towns - Romans, France, and Wels, Austria - were also in attendance.
The group will participate in special events from Gäubodenvolksfest, one of Bavaria’s largest traditional festivals - on from August 7 to August 17.
The partnership between the two cities was first proposed by historian Dr Tony Claffey in the mid-1980s and made official in 1991.
German was being taught in most Tuam secondary schools by 1987, with annual student exchanges beginning two years later.
Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) of Straubing Markus Pannermayr was eager to welcome the delegates to further twinning relations.
“For 35 years, Tuam and Straubing have built a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and learning from each other,” he added.
“It has grown from its early focus on education into a wider relationship involving culture, music, business, tourism and community life. We are delighted to welcome our friends from Tuam this week and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation.”