KILDARE: German twinning town in Newbridge for St Patrick's Weekend

A bumper delegation from Twin Town, Bad Lippspringe arrives in Newbridge 16March to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and also the 1500 Anniversary St. Brigid celebrations.

The group is 85 strong and is led by Burgermeister Ulrich Lange and Twinning chairperson Eberhard Kemper and consists of many visiting for the first time and accommodation is split between Newbridge and Kildare town for the first time.

During the 25th Twinning anniversary the group visited Solas Bhride and fell in love with the story of St Brigid and said they would return for the 1500 anniversary and they have kept their word in a big way. Indeed St. Brigid has many connections with Germany.

On arrival 16th the group again visits Solas Bhride  for a reception and visit to the Cathedral and town. The annual Parade is the main focus on 17th taking part with many Twinners from Newbridge including committee. We are delighted to welcome German Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt to the Prade for first time and indeed he is with us for the full weekend , staying in Hotel Keadeen. The group will add plenty of colour in the Parade and give it yet another international flavour.

Monday 18th sees  a visit to the Curragh Racecourse for the inaugural meeting of the year and reception there along with the Ambassador who will make some post race prize presentations. 

Obviously we are delighted to have such a large delegation present and it shows the strength of this particular Twinning and with the presence of the Ambassador over the weekend. We appreciate the support from St. Patrick's Day committee, Curragh Racecourse and our main sponsor Kildare  Co. Council.

The group returns on Tuesday 19th and will , no doubt be quite tired on arrival back in Bad Lippspringe.

Attention now turns to our visit there from 18th to 21st May to coincide with the Summer Festival and here we expect to have a group from the O N E coming along this year.