A Civic Reception was held at City Hall, Sligo, on Saturday 20 September to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Tubbercurry–Viarmes Town Twinning, celebrating a quarter-century of cultural exchange, friendship, and European unity.
Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship: Tubbercurry–Viarmes Town Twinning Marks Milestone with Civic Reception
Cathaoirleach Cllr Dónal Gilroy making a presentation to Oliver Dupont, Mayor of Viarmes and President of the Viarmes Twinning Committee
The event welcomed distinguished guests including Oliver Dupont, Mayor of Viarmes and President of the Viarmes Twinning Committee, Dominique Nocture, Vice President of the Viarmes Twinning Committee, members of the Tubbercurry and Sligo Town Twinning Committees, Geraldine Brennan, President of the Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce, elected members of Sligo County Council, and a travelling delegation from France and Italy.
The twinning between Tubbercurry and Viarmes, established in 1999, has flourished into a vibrant partnership that now includes Asnières-sur-Oise in France and Cutigliano in Italy, forming a Four Town Friendship Pact. Every five years, the towns gather to celebrate their shared values through music, sport, and community engagement.
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, said:
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of a formal agreement—it is a celebration of people, of stories shared, and of friendships formed across borders. The Tubbercurry–Viarmes twinning has become a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. In a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, this partnership reminds us of the strength found in unity. I commend all those who have contributed to this journey over the past 25 years, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive for many more to come.”
The reception also acknowledged the renewal of the twinning oath in 2024 by Mayor Dupont and Geraldine Brennan, reaffirming the enduring bond between the two towns.
The European Commission previously recognised the twinning as a model of excellence in 2004, producing a multilingual DVD to showcase its success. This recognition reflects the dedication of volunteers, committee members, and citizens who have nurtured the relationship with passion and commitment.
As the celebrations concluded, attendees were reminded that the anniversary is not only a reflection on the past, but a promise for the future—one of continued exchange, understanding, and friendship.
