Following a very successful visit to East Rouen, Northern France, last year, it was the turn of Granard to welcome 30 visitors from France. And welcome them they did! The Céad Míle Fáilte was evident throughout the town, from bunting, French Flags, gaily decorated shop fronts with a French theme, bonfires and art work. It all set the scene for a very successful visit. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO CAPTION: Moira Mahon, Cllr Colin Dalton, Longford County Council Director of Services Barbara Heslin, Daniel Hue, Annie Vidal, Cllr Turlough McGovern, Jean Luc Juflev, Deirdre Orme, Daniel Dominique, Colm Faughnan and students from Cnoc Mhuire Granard Picture: Shelley Corcoran At the heart of the Twinning ethos is a sharing of culture, building relationships and working together. The itinerary was built around giving the visitors the real feel of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and experiencing our rich culture and lifestyle. The group from East Rouen arrived to burning bonfires, lively Irish music from the Sean Dungan CCE branch and apprehensive hosts. “Bien venue a Granard” rang in the air as hosts welcomed their guests and took them home for their first night in the Granard area. The following day, Saturday 23rd September, dawned dry and sunny for the first day of a busy itinerary. The visitors arrived at Knights and Conquests at 10:00 am and were given a great tour of the Interpretive Centre by Deirdre and her team. She then brought the group up the Motte to show them where the Normans built their first defensive position in the region. Richard De Tuite, the builder of the Motte in the 12th Century, would have been proud to think that his successors from Normandy received a more friendly welcome. The walk continued down the town where the visitors were overcome by the “Frenchification” of the town. Locals wished the guests well with their visit. Irish stew in the Bailey restaurant was the visitors’ first taste of traditional Irish cuisine. The Irish lamb was delicious and cooked to perfection. Tullynally
Enhancing links between Longford and France: Granard rolls out red carpet for East Rouen twinning delegation
Caption: Granard Municipal District Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern, Pierre Delannoy, Jessica McKenna, Charlotte McGovern, Seán MacFionnachtaigh, Dominique Hue and Colm Faughnan Picture: Shelley Corcoran
