2005 will be the ‘Year of the French' for Athy. St. Patrick's Weekend, this year will be the biggest and best Festival Athy has ever seen. Over 50 French visitors have already booked to arrive in Athy on Wednesday 16th March.
This is officially the second leg of a twinning arrangement between Grandvilliers and Athy when the Covenant, already signed in France will be confirmed when Noel Scully, Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council signs in the Town Square on Saturday 19 th March.
Just as in Grandvilliers, interest in the visit extends out to the villages and the countryside that looks to Athy as the centre of its commercial and social life. The visitors will stay with families all across the area as well as in the town itself. Many of those coming will have hosted local families last October in France and will now be hoping to renew acquaintance as they in turn taste our type of lifestyle.
Richard Daly, chairman of the Athy Area Twinning Committee, said he was overwhelmed with the hospitality of the French.
“It is a whole new holiday experience to travel with a Twinning Group. It is nothing like staying in a Hotel. You get to feel and understand what makes the French tick, but at the same time see how much like us they are. As the world gets smaller it is important that we get to know our neighbours in Europe just as we get to know our nearer neighbours at home.”
So this St. Patrick's weekend is going to be spectacular for Athy and the surrounding areas. The Twinning Committee is doing everything possible to extend the occasion to as many people and clubs as possible. The opportunity to participate in the twinning concept is open to everyone. Clubs can be put in contact with clubs in the Grandvilliers area and build up friendships through their mutual interesrs. Businesses can make an entry into the French Market through advise from businesspeople who can be contacted through their twinning organisation and schools can build up relationships with schools there.
If you are asked to play a part they hope you will and if you have an idea to make the ‘Year of the French' Festival special just drop your idea to The Twinning Committee at Athy Town Council in Rathasker. Should we not rename that The Athy Town Hall for the occasion. We will have news about the Parades and other events later.
For further information please contact Sean Cleary, Athy Twinning PR Committee at 059 86 24164 or Helen Dowling, Athy Town Clerk, at 059 86 31444
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