New London, Wisconsin, USA, 17th August 07 – A delegation from County Clare has travelled to the USA to consolidate a 'Town Twinning' concept between Killaloe and the Wisconsin city of New London.
Clare County Councillor and Killaloe resident Tony O’Brien has accepted an invitation from the city's local Shamrock Club, on behalf of the Clare delegation, to undertake a tour of the Waupaca County capital this weekend.
Earlier this year, Larry and Carrie Katerzynske and Dave Sarna of the Shamrock Club visited Killaloe where they received a helicopter tour over of the Lough Derg District and a boat tour on the River Shannon, before attending a function hosted by the then Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Flan Garvey.
At the time, Cllr. Garvey stated, "It is our similarities that will bring us together, (in a Town Twinning partnership)
According to the current Mayor of Clare, Councillor Patricia McCarthy, “There are many benefits associated with establishing a long distance twinning relationship, as can be seen in the highly successful link between Ennis in County Clare and Phoenix Arizona. Such relationships can lead to a series of cultural and educational exchanges that greatly benefit both communities. I have every confidence that the same can be achieved through Killaloe’s link twinning with New London.”
New London boasts a population of over 7,500 and is best known for its annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities and Grand Parade, when the city's name is changed to ‘New Dublin’ for the week.
According to Councillor Tony O’Brien, “New London was originally more Germanic in population than Irish, but in the late 19th century Irish immigrants passing through found the verdant farmland reminiscent of their birthplace, and began to settle outside of town near Northport. The Irish-American community is now an integral part of this City.”
Councillor O’Brien explained that there are many similarities between New London and Killaloe.
He explained, “Both towns can boast excellent outdoor amenities. Like Killaloe, New London hosts such activities as boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, golfing and fishing. Within the city and surrounding area there are 900 acres of parks, trails and recreation facilities.”
Councillor O’Brien said he had accepted an invitation to visit New London this weekend. He will be provided with a tour of the city, including area businesses, Hatten Park and Mosquito Hill Nature Centre. The Shamrock Club of New Dublin is also arranging a welcoming function.
He continued, “A good base has been established for developing a relationship that can be rewarding and enjoyable for the people of New London and Killaloe. A warm, instant friendship was experienced during the Shamrock Club’s recent visit to East Clare and with the hardworking ideal both towns have, it is no doubt that a strong, enduring relationship will be forged from the upcoming trip to New London. I would also hope that any established link would attract tourists to the Killaloe area.”
Meanwhile, Councillor O’Brien has confirmed that he will be participating in a tourism promotional drive at the Milwaukee Irish Fest in Wisconsin, prior to his trip to New London.
“County Clare is the central theme of this year’s Milwaukee Fest and I will be doing everything I can to promote what Killaloe and East Clare has to offer to some of the estimated 140,000 people that attend the annual four-day event. The overseas promotion of our local tourist attractions is essential and I have no doubt that the Killaloe area will benefit from the Clare tourism delegation's trip to Wisconsin. I will also be promoting the fact that Killaloe is situated in a county that can also boast such attractions as the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and the Burren”, concluded Councillor O’Brien.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
- Mayor Patricia McCarthy (087-4187132)
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
