Lifford officially twinned with historic Spainish town of Simancas

Simancas is a town and municipality of central Spain, located in the province of Valladolid, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León

placeholder image — Simancas is a town and municipality of central Spain, located in the province of Valladolid, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León

This initiative was driven by a three-year campaign led by the Red Hugh O'Donnell Association and the Hispano-Irish Association, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between the two towns

Tuesday marked a historic milestone in Irish-Spanish relations as the towns of Lifford and Simancas in Valladolid, Spain, officially signed a twinning agreement.

The Mayor of Simancas signed the documents on May 27, and this follows the agreement signed off by Councillor Martin Harley during his final days as Mayor of County Donegal last year.

This initiative was driven by a three-year campaign led by the Red Hugh O'Donnell Association and the Hispano-Irish Association, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between the two towns.

The twinning pays tribute to Red Hugh O'Donnell, a prominent Irish chieftain born in Lifford. A key figure in Irish resistance against English rule during the Nine Years' War in the late 16th century, O'Donnell died in Simancas, Valladolid, in 1602 while seeking aid from the Spanish monarchy. His death and burial in Spain are enduring symbols of the long-standing historical bond between the two nations.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr Eddie Crawford, Chairman of the Red Hugh O'Donnell Association, said: “This is another major step forward in promoting the already close relationship we have with the people of Spain. It is a fitting tribute to Red Hugh’s enduring legacy and a foundation for even stronger cultural and economic cooperation between our communities.

”As a next step, both councils will collaborate on a shared framework focusing on Tourism, Cultural Services, Economic Development, and Corporate Affairs, with the aim of creating meaningful opportunities for both towns.

“The Red Hugh O'Donnell Association would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Lifford Stranorlar Municipal Councillors, the Donegal County Council and their Chief Executive Officer, Mr John McLaughlin, for their unwavering support from day one of this campaign and look forward to continuing with that relationship into the future.”