Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, welcomed the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Ambassador Nancy Smyth, to County Hall on Thursday 2nd May.
Cathaoirleach welcomes Canadian Ambassador to County Hall
Back Row, Left to Right: Cllr. Donal Gilroy; Cllr. Rosaleen O'Grady; Cllr. Marie Casserly; Jim Molloy, Director of Services.
Front Row, Left to Right: Deputy Frank Feighan; Her Excellency Ambassador Nancy Smyth; Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerard Mullaney; Chief Executive Martin Lydon
Also in attendance were Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Councillor's Rosaleen O'Grady, Marie Casserly Dónal Gilroy, Deputy Frank Feighan and Director of Services Jim Molloy.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerard Mullaney expressed the significance of this visit and the shared heritage between Sligo and Canada. The Cathaoirleach emphasised the historical connection, with many citizens of Sligo having ancestors who sought better opportunities in Canada, and acknowledged the ongoing contributions of their descendants in Canadian society.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Mullaney, acknowledged the recent visit of the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, to Canada earlier this year. This visit, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Canada, underscored the enduring strength of the partnership and the immense potential for increased collaboration across various sectors. The establishment of Consulates General in Vancouver and Toronto, as part of the Global Ireland 2025 program, has played a vital role in further deepening the relations between Ireland and Canada.
The presence of organisations such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Tourism Ireland in the region has facilitated increased trade, educational exchanges, and cultural ties. These initiatives have brought Ireland and Canada closer together, fostering ongoing high-level political engagement and reinforcing the foundation of their long-standing friendship.
Looking towards the future, the Cathaoirleach expressed the commitment of Sligo County Council to deepen connections, explore new avenues of collaboration, and create a prosperous future together with Canada. The visit of Ambassador Nancy Smyth served as a testament to the enduring friendship between Sligo and Canada, and an opportunity to further strengthen ties and forge new partnerships that will benefit both communities.
Her Excellency Ambassador Nancy Smyth expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the shared values and aspirations that underpin the strong relationship between Ireland and Canada. She reiterated Canada's commitment to fostering collaboration in various sectors and looked forward to deepening ties with Sligo County Council.
