A delegation from Sligo travelled to Crozon recently to mark a remarkable milestone — the 45th anniversary of the town twinning between the two communities.
Sligo and Crozon Celebrate 45 Years of Friendship and Town Twinning
Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree presenting Mayor of Crozon, Patrick Berthelot with a gift from Sligo
Among those representing Sligo were Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, President of Sligo Town Twinning, Dympna Gorman, and members of the Sligo Town Twinning Committee.
The visit to Crozon, Brittany, was filled with ceremony, celebration, and heartfelt reflection as both towns honoured a relationship that has grown steadily since its inception in 1980, becoming one of the longest-standing and most successful twinning partnerships in Ireland.
Speaking at gathering in the Town Hall in Crozon, Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree delivered a moving address, reflecting on the depth and significance of the connection:
"It is both a profound honour and a deep personal joy for me, as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, to stand before you today in beautiful Crozon, celebrating 45 remarkable years of friendship and partnership between our two towns."
He continued:
"On behalf of the people of Sligo, I bring you warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations on this magnificent milestone – one of the longest, most successful, and indeed, award-winning twinning links in all of Ireland!"
The Cathaoirleach recalled the early days of the twinning, when in May 1979, a small Sligo delegation led by then Mayor Michael Carroll made the first official visit to Crozon. This was soon reciprocated by a Crozon group led by Mayor Claude Yvenat and Gege Lebourdiec, Chair of the Crozon Town Twinning Committee. Cllr Bree noted:
"Few people at the time could have imagined the extraordinary tapestry of connection that would be woven across nearly 1,000 kilometres in the following decades."
He shared personal memories of attending the 1980 signing of the twinning pact, calling it "a wonderful and joyous occasion", and paid tribute to those who laid its foundations:
"Let us remember with pride those who founded and pioneered our twinning movement 45 years ago and let us particularly remember those who have passed on. They have left a wonderful legacy."
Among those remembered was the late Maurice Prigent, a founding member of the Crozon committee, and his wife Jeannine, known for their warmth and hospitality.
The Cathaoirleach spoke of the visible and invisible legacies of the partnership:
"Today the name 'Crozon' is proudly etched into the very landscape of Sligo – gracing our parks, our promenades, and our housing estates. But far more important are the invisible threads woven by people: the countless successful exchanges that have enriched lives across generations."
He praised the cultural, educational, and sporting connections fostered through the twinning, highlighting the Sligo Pétanque Club as a unique and lasting example of French influence in Sligo.
The delegation also celebrated the fact that in 1984, the Sligo-Crozon link earned the International Town Twinning Award, a testament to the vibrancy of the connection.
Cllr Bree paid special tribute to the tireless efforts of the volunteers and committees that have sustained the relationship:
"In this context, I want to pay a special tribute to the President of Sligo Town Twinning, Dympna Gorman, and to Marie-Claude Ward, whose exceptional work on the Sligo-Crozon link was deservedly acknowledged when they were awarded the Brittany-Ireland Association medal."
“Unbreakable Link” Between Crozon and Sligo
In a warmly received address, Mayor of Crozon, Patrick Berthelot, reflected on the historic signing of the twinning agreement 45 years ago:
"The 15th of May 1980, here in the same place, the town hall of Crozon, the twinning treaty was signed confirming the desire of both cities to create a bridge between us and our people, developing cultural exchange, and reinforcing the friendship of our citizens."
He paid tribute to the twinning pioneers, including Claude Yvenat, Sean MacManus, and committee members such as Gerard Le Bourdiec, Maurice Prigent, Jean Soubigou, Marcel Burel, and Madeleine Delaunay. Mayor Berthelot emphasised the role of these early visionaries in building what he called an “unbreakable link” between the two coastal communities.
"Let me thank and give my gratitude to those on both sides of the sea, who help the exchanges between families, and work on creating links between young people too, sharing the same values of respect, cultural curiosity, and open-mindedness."
He highlighted the shared characteristics of Sligo and Crozon — strong identities, proud cultures, beautiful environments, and Gaelic heritage — and expressed delight at the youth engagement initiatives, including a recent meeting with local students and ambassador Couiva, to encourage school and family exchanges with Sligo.
"Today we gather to celebrate the 45th anniversary of twinning between our towns. These years are filled with common joy and lots of good memories… lots of landscapes discovered, lots of partying nights, and here we are today!"
Mayor Berthelot concluded:
"So dear friends from Sligo, I would like to tell you how proud and happy I am, on behalf of all the people of Crozon, to welcome you here today. I hope that this friendship will last for many years more. Long life to this beautiful twinning!"
The visit concluded with a series of cultural events, visits, and exchanges, reaffirming the shared values and aspirations of both communities. As the Cathaoirleach noted:
"Today, 45 years on, we don't just reaffirm our commitment – we celebrate its flourishing reality."
