A group of 17 people, from Castleisland’s twinnned town of Bannalec in Brittany, spent four days with host families in Castleisland recently.
The Bannalec group arrived on the ferry at Ringaskiddy.
They were greeted by representatives of their host families and together they visited Cobh and Fota, before arriving back to a welcome reception in the Carnegie Building – the ‘Old Library’ in Castleisland.
“The local twinning committee would like to thank local musicians: Con Moynihan, Paddy Jones, Denis O’Connor, Cormac O’Mahony and Conor O’Mahony who showcased our wonderful Irish traditional music for the visitors,” said committee member, Hugh O’Connell.
Gifts of Irish Books
“The committee is very grateful to our local councillors, Fionán Fitzgerald, Jackie Healy Rae and Charlie Farrelly who gave the Bannalec visitors a great Céad Míle Fáilte and presented them with a lovely gift of Irish books.
“During their stay with local host families our Breton guests enjoyed a tour of Castleisland town, as well as visiting places further afield – a poitín-making demonstration and farm visit to Molly Galvin’s in Bonane; a lace-making demonstration in Kenmare and a trip on a traditional jaunting car in Killarney’s National Park as well as a boat trip on Lough Leane.
Session at Ó Riada’s
“On Sunday evening the group enjoyed traditional fayre from O’Riada’s Bar and Restaurant and were treated to some more traditional music, by local singers and musicians, Brid O’Shea and Kirill Healy.
“The committee would like to thank all the families who hosted our visitors.Twinning is open to anyone from the Castleisland/Sliabh Luachra area with an interest in fostering contacts,friendship and cultural exchange with Bannalec in Brittany.
The committee wish to thank Castleisland Chamber Alliance for its support and the use of the Carnegie building.
