Rosslare council twins with Fishguard as official documents are signed on board the Stena Nordica

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Having decided to enter into a twinning arrangement with its friends in Fishguard the only question for the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) was where to hold the official ceremony.

In the interests of fairness, and with the hope of establishing deep and long-lasting connections, it was agreed to stage it at sea, halfway between the two ports.

And so it was that a delegation from Rosslare travelled to Wales on board the Stena Nordica to collect their allies from the Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council for a celebration with a difference. Having returned to sea, cathaoirleach of the RMD, Councillor Ger Carthy, and The Mayor of Fishguard & Goodwick, Cllr William Shaw formally signed a twinning agreement which will see the two portside locations work in tandem on a variety of projects in the coming years.

The objective of the twinning relationship is to develop a mutually beneficial cooperation between the public, community and business entities in their areas, with a particular focus on institutions involved in fostering culture.

“The proposal to formally twin the RMD with the Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council is an exciting step towards fostering a deeper connection between the two communities,” said Cllr Carthy. “By building on the already strong relations between the councils, this twinning aims to promote cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and shared tourism ventures that can enrich both regions.”

The delegation, which included Cllr Jim Codd, district manager Nóirín Cummins, and members of the Kilmore Scouts, also participated in the annual commemoration to remember the lives that were lost at sea on the SS St Patrick in World War II.

Ceremonies were held both in Fishguard and aboard the Stena Nordica and included the symbolic gesture of dropping wreaths into the sea, serving as a tribute to the souls lost in the sinking of the vessel.