The Cathaoirleach of Sligo Count Council Councillor Seamus Kilgannon welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, José María Rodriguez-Coso, to Sligo City Hall.
Cathaoirleach honours Spanish Ambassador
Cathaoirleach honours Spanish Ambassador
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon makes a presentation to the Spanish Ambassador His Excellency José Maria Rodriquez-Coso
accompanied by Deputy Tony McLoughlin, Deputy Martin Kenny and Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
The main purpose of the Ambassador’s visit was to present a very special award to Grange & Armada Development Association, in recognition of their outstanding work to honouring the memory of the Spanish soldiers and sailors who lost their lives during the Spanish Armada Shipwrecks off the North Sligo coast at Streedagh in 1588.
The award of the Plate of the Order of Isabel La Católica to Grange and Armada Development Association has been approved by his Majesty King Philip VI. The Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order, in which membership is granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. I it is the first time it has been presented in this country.
Spanish Ambassador His Excellency José Maria Rodriquez-Coso (second from left) presents the ‘Order of Isabel La Católica’ to representatives Grange & Armada Development Association Prannie Rhatigan and Eddie O’Gorman, accompanied by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Seamus Kilgannon
Special relationship
In his address, the Cathaoirleach said ‘In this year when Sligo celebrates its status as ‘European Capital of Volunteering’, it is fitting that this major international award is being presented to an outstanding group of volunteers. These events serve to enhance the very special relationship we have with Spain, which is our 5th largest tourist market, and the Spanish Navy will also have a major presence at the Celtic Fringe Festival in October.
The presentation of the award by the Ambassador here today is fitting acknowledgement of the exemplary work carried out over many years by the Grange & Armada Development Association. It reinforces the strong formal and personal relationships that have been developed over the years between Spain and Ireland. The strength of this association is shown by the fact that the Spanish Navy will once again participate in our Celtic Fringe Festival this year in September.
Attending the Civic Reception for Spanish Ambassador His Excellency José Maria Rodriquez-Coso (2nd from right front row) were - Cllr Hubert Keaney, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus McLoughlin, Deputy Tony McLoughlin Back row: Cllr Marie Casserly, Deputy Martin Kenny, Deputy Eamon Scanlon, Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady, Cllr Keith Henry, Cllr Thomas Healy
Volunteers
In this year when we celebrate Sligo’s status as ‘European Capital of
Volunteering’, this is a genuine, community-inspired endeavour.’ The Cathaoirleach also acknowledged the support of Abbvie; ‘They have been generous supporters of the Association and have been an active and energetic participant in projects in communities throughout County Sligo. ‘
Book of Condolence
While the focal point of the reception was the presentation by the Ambassador to the Grange & Armada Development Association, the Cathaoirleach also invited the Ambassador to open a Book of Condolence to enable the people of Sligo express their solidarity and support following the tragic events in Spain last week. The Books will be available for members of the public in Sligo City Hall, Quay Street and County Hall, Riverside.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, José María Rodriguez-Coso, opened a Book of Condolence on Friday last in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.