A delegation from Galway is travelling to Lorient in France today (Thursday ) as part of the efforts to reinvigorate and strengthen the twinning partnership that has existed between the two cities since 1975.
The twin cities have maintained a strong relationship through cultural and business events and exchanges over the decades; however Covid-19 saw that relationship move largely online due to travel restrictions. This weekend's visit will mark the first in-person event marking the twinning since before the pandemic.
This is the first in a series of exchanges and events which will take place in both France and Galway this year. Among the other events planned is a Mini Brittany Festival taking place in Galway in May, which will see guests from Lorient visit the city.
The delegation, which sets off today (Thursday ) and will be in Lorient until Sunday, will be led by Mayor of Galway Cllr Colette Connolly, who will be joined by representatives from Galway Chamber, NUI Galway, and the Portershed, as well as French honorary consul Catherine Gagneux and Marian Ni Chonghaile from the Galway-Lorient committee.
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Over the course of the trip, the delegation is due to meet with local business groups, incubators, academic representatives, groups involved in the Galway/Lorient twinning activities, and Lorient GAA and rugby clubs.
Highlights of the visit will include formal meetings with the Mayor of Lorient Fabrice Loher and president of Lorient Agglomération Lydie Le Pabic, along with a meeting on collaboration with the president of Université Bretagne Sud, Virginie Dupont. The latter meeting will aim to foster stronger links between NUI Galway and UBS, creating more student, academic, and research exchanges while also facilitating further research collaborations.
The delegation will also meet with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Morbihan on potential future projects. An early St Patrick’s Day celebration is also being held in honour of the visiting delegation.
Mayor Connolly said this week that she is delighted to expand on the long standing links between Galway city and Lorient, recognising the close collaboration in the areas of economic development, education, tourism, sport, Celtic heritage, and cultural exchange. She referenced the Festival Interceltique, a renowned event celebrating music and dance that is attended annually by Irish groups, and said she is looking forward to renewing closer ties and interests.
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Her remarks were echoed by French honorary consul, Catherine Gagneux, who said: “Galway and Lorient have been sharing experiences and their common Celtic heritage since 1975. For almost 50 years, varied exchanges and events have taken place in both Lorient and Galway involving different communities, in areas such as sport, university exchanges, dance and musical events, linguistic trips, and work experience, to name but a few. Most recently, in July 2018, nearly 23 boats sailed from Galway to Lorient, not only sharing some unforgettable moments and memories, but also strengthening friendships and connections with their fellow Breton cousins.
“Despite Covid-19, the two cities have continued to work and collaborate together through online meetings and events," Ms Gagneux added. "Now that the travel restrictions are lifted, a small delegation from Galway is travelling to Lorient to discuss and initiate more exchanges. The aim is to continue to focus on bringing people and communities together, as well as developing trade, business, and academic connections. Discussions and working sessions will also include preparation for various events being organised this year in Galway, including the Mini Brittany Festival in May where participants from Lorient will be welcomed to the west of Ireland.”
