The success of Longford's twinning initiative

As the Chairperson of the Enterprise Group, Paddy Howe said at the Civic Reception, organised by Essert Town Council, “These 27 years have seen mayors, councillors and twinners come and go.
“Some have left, some have joined, and sadly some have died both in Essert and Ballinamuck. Those members will always hold a special place in our hearts.

“Many of the founding members are still keen and active twinners, who have formed long-standing friendships with their twinning partners. One such person is Chantel Connell who was a young participant in twinning exchanges from 2014 to 2019.”
Chantel is now a qualified teacher and fluent French speaker. Chantel said, “This year in particular was very nostalgic as we returned to Malsaucy, a lakeside activity centre for kids and teenagers.

“My very first time in France was spent here 9 years ago, and it has stuck with me since, so to go back there as a leader was wonderful.
“We spent 3 days there where the twinners took part in Olympic themed activities like cycling, archery, and laser tag. No twinning is ever complete without a trip to a theme park and this year we went to Fraispertuis City, where the twinners spent the day on rollercoasters.

“Twinners enjoyed the view of Belfort town from the Citadel which sits on the famous Lion de Bartholdi. This year’s Twinning project theme was engagement and soft mobility in which the twinners learned about road safety, cycling to and from Malsaucy.
“They also completed a graffiti wall art piece, with French artists Katka and Sone. It involved the twinners writing words in English, French and Irish which they thought embodied this year’s twinning.
“It turned out to be an incredible piece of artwork. Overall, it was a fantastic twinning, with thanks to all involved on both sides, as a lot of work is done behind the scenes to make it possible.

“I look forward to welcoming the French to Ballinamuck next year.”
The Ballinamuck/Essert twinning is now 27 years old. In that time over 500 young French and Irish young people have moved outside their comfort zone and experienced what it is to spend time in another country, speaking a different language, making friends and discovering that difference is not something to be feared but something enriching.
Ballinamuck Enterprise Group chair, Paddy Howe concluded his remarks at the Civic Reception in Essert.

“The fact that Ballinamuck/Essert twinning has lasted so long is due, I believe, to the commitment and voluntary effort of the French and Irish twinning committees,” Paddy said.
“As someone once said “you make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.”
The support of the local people and the host families has established an opportunity for young people to make new friends and see and experience for themselves another culture in a very unique way.

“ That is something to be cherished in these times when there is a growing minority preaching fear and hatred of those who differ from us,” Paddy said.
Ballinamuck Community Enterprise Group was founded in 1994 to develop a Visitor Centre in the 98 Hall and establish links with the area of France where General Humbert, the commanding officer of the French and rebel forces.

The twinning partnership was developed between Ballinamuck Community Enterprise, Longford County Council and the town council of Essert in Franche Comte, a town in eastern France not far from St. Nabord, the birthplace of General Humbert.

The reception for this year’s twinning exchange hosted by Essert Town Council and was attended by Paddy Mahon CEO of Longford County Council and Councillor Garry Murtagh, chairperson of Granard Municipal District, who thanked the French council for its hospitality and promised a warm welcome for the 2025 French return exchange.