21 years of twinning

Templemore celebrates ties with France and Italy

A wonderful weekend of memories, music and renewal of friendships is the best way to describe the many varied and unique events organised by Templemore Town Twinning to mark the 21st anniversary celebrations of its twin towns of Potenza Picena (Italy) and Prémilhat (France).

Since its inauguration in 2004, the Twinning Committee has assisted in development of educational, sporting, cultural and touristic projects as well as the attendance of both Twin Towns at our annual St Patrick's Day parade. Who will forget the 2023 Street Session with over 30 members of Banda Follet entertaining the large crowds?

This is a special year and the Templemore Twinning Committee have worked diligently over several months to ensure the timetable of events was appropriate and matched the importance of the occasion. Events commenced with a reception in the newly refurbished library in our Town Hall, and afterwards at the site of the ‘Twinning Oak’ adjacent to the pitch & putt club, where the new plaque commemorating 21 years of twinning was unveiled. The Thomas McDonagh Pipe Band, represented by Pipe Major Joe Barry, Pipers Róisín Barret and Martin Fogarty, rendered proud and beautiful honours to the ceremony concluding with Amhrán na bhFíann.

At 12.30pm the Twin Towns Cup got underway in the very warm and sunny settings of Templemore Golf Club. Held over two days, this sporting event is eagerly awaited in all twin towns where old friendships are renewed with much joy and sportsmanship.

Later that evening a BBQ in the Whitefield Brewery was an outstanding success, where the local brew, together with locally-sourced meat and cheeses added greatly to the enjoyment. Our sincere thanks to Cúlán, Sally Aoife and John for the delicious drinks and tasty food.

TOUR TO LOUGH DERG

On Saturday morning, while the Golfers headed out in round two, the remainder were treated to a bus tour to Lough Derg and the River Shannon, taking in some picturesque Tipperary countryside. But the awe-inspiring scenery was further enhanced with a surprise boat trip on the lake arranged by our great friend and colleague Ned Kelly. A truly awesome trip that was a huge treat for our visitors.

Returning to Templemore, there was a quick turnaround, as all roads led to the Templemore Arms Hotel for a 'soiree' of music, song, dance and food. Guests upon entering were welcomed by the sweet dulcet tones of the harp, as provided by Katie Johnston and Ellie Mai Fogarty. Entertainment commenced with the beautiful voice of Ciara O'Brien and her rendition of many favourite songs.

Next we had the old reliable ‘Strolling Bones’, who provided a wonderful array of classic sounds to everybody's enjoyment. Both Ciara O'Brien and Dermot Kelly stepped up to join in and increase the tempo as much foot-tapping and clapping ensued. ‘A Land Down Under’ will never be the same again!

A surprising guest artist was the classical guitarist Antonio del Sordo, who earlier in the day competed with the Potenza Picena Golf team, now producing a wonderful rendition of the ‘Sultans of Swing’ (Dire Straits). The local traditional ‘Rinnce’ was given great treatment as we rolled out the sets with the Templemore Set Group, followed by the younger generation of the Clonmore Set Group with their unique presentation of the ‘Brush Dance’.

The food, served buffet-style, was a mouthwatering experience and full credit must go to the ‘Wild Plates’ catering, whose salads and dressings complimented a delicious ‘Pulled Beef Brisket’.

The evening was brought to a close by the presentation of the Fahy & Ryan Twin Town Cup to the Prémilhat team under Captain Josiane Claeys by Templemore Golf Club Captain Sean Lee, who thanked all the participants and presented medals to each team member. Captain of the winning team Josiane Claeys extended an invitation to both towns to compete in Premilhat in 2027.

Following the presentations, a rousing rendition of the three national anthems echoed through the Templemore Arms Hotel.

A sincere word of to thanks to Sindaco Noemi Tabartini and Liaison Office Michele Emili of Potenza Picena and Mayor Bernard Pozzoli and President of Twinning Prémilhat Josiane Claeys for their delegation's assistance and participation in all of the events over a hugely successful and truly enjoyable weekend.