Win-win as twin towns link East Cork to France

THERE’S always a traditional Irish welcome on the mat for French visitors coming to East Cork via the Twinning Association.

The towns of Midleton and Mignaloux-Beauvoir, a commune in the suburb of Poitiers, both give visitors the red-carpet treatment, pulling out all the stops.

“When members of the Twinning Association from Midleton visited Poitiers, which is the town we were twinned with 25 years ago, the two French presidents of the Association planted a tree in our honour!” says Geraldine Garry, of Shanagarry, who is the secretary of Midleton Twinning Association.

“The welcome we always receive from the people of Poitiers is just amazing,” adds Geraldine.

It was always thus from the get-go.

Geraldine’s husband, Jim, was first to get on the bandwagon.

“Jim is a musician and he visited Poitiers with other local musicians from Midleton and east Cork for a music cultural event almost 26 years ago now,” says Geraldine.

He was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people, their genuine interest in Ireland and in our culture.

“Twinning is about cultural exchange, showcasing our towns, getting to know each other’s traditions with regard to food, music, and history, as well as having business exchanges.

“Being part of the Twinning Association encourages friendships and exposes you to other ways of life you might not otherwise experience,” says Geraldine.

When an opportunity came up to travel to Poitiers the next time Midleton Twinning Association was heading there, Geraldine joined the troupe.

“We were hosted by local families,” says Geraldine. 

They made us feel so welcome into their homes. There were never any expectations.

Beautiful friendships and strong bonds are made.

“We have been staying with the same family for over two decades now,” says Geraldine. “It is like home-from-home. We have formed valuable friendships, often travelling to our host family’s home over the years for family occasions like weddings and birthdays.

The French are mighty hosts.

“They are very organised, and they practice hard to make it work and be a success,” says Geraldine.

Midleton Twinning Association will be working hard it this year when they welcome their French counterparts on August 22.

Cork County Council support the three Twinning Associations in east Cork.

“We were very fortunate to be awarded a grant from Cork County Council,” says Geraldine, who is an able organiser herself, running a cake sale on Garryvoe Beach to boost funds on July 6.

“The funds are essential to help us entertain and show our visitors different parts of East Cork and the best and the most interesting parts of the country.”

The people travelling to East Cork from Poitiers are in for a lot of treats and good old-fashioned Irish hospitality.

“We’re staying local for the first few days, visiting Fort Camden, Knockadoon, Ballycotton, Garryvoe, and then we are travelling to Wexford where we will visit the Irish Heritage Family Museum,” says Geraldine.

The French delegates will meet an interesting man.

“The grandnephew of President John F Kennedy will be conducting a tour for us,” says Geraldine. I went and met with him, and he kindly offered to do the tour for us, which is fabulous. We’ll go on a day trip to Lismore Castle later in the week.

Geraldine is an old hand at welcoming and hosting people from across the Atlantic Ocean.

We like to extend the hand of friendship and are always looking for new blood,” she says.

“Often, people who are retired and who have more free time are attracted to joining the Twinning Association. Everyone is welcome.”

What were Geraldine’s impressions when she visited Poitiers over the years?

“The French are great gardeners!” she says. “They are wonderful cooks, and they are wonderful homemakers.”

People from Midleton and Poitiers formed a special relationship.

“It was wonderful getting to know our host family and forming a bond with them,” says Geraldine.

I remember going to Futuroscope, an amazing lighting show that Poitiers is well-known for. It was spectacular.

It is amazing that third generations of the same family are still travelling between Midleton and Poitiers.

“Students have gone from Poitiers to Midleton over the years on student exchange,” says Geraldine. “And vice-versa.

“The Twinning Association provides many opportunities and experiences. I’d love to invite people to join us in our adventures.”

******

When Youghal swimmers, part of the Youghal Twinning Association, travelled to Larmor Plage, a commune in the Morbihan department of Brittany in north-western France, last year, they enjoyed memorable swims.

“We swam in several beaches with the locals,” says Linda Donoghue, a member of Seawater Souls and also a member of Youghal Twinning Association.

This of course was followed by traditional petit dejeuner of fresh croissants from the local boulangerie!

The French Twinning Association coordinated many activities for the group throughout their visit.

“The highlights included a visit to Oceanopolis Aquarium in Brest and a tour of The Sailing Valley in nearby Lorient,” says Linda.

“International friendships were forged between the Irish and the French through their mutual love of the sea.”

In September, the French swimmers with the French Twinning Committee, (Le Jumelage), can enjoy sweet Youghal Bay when they take the plunge in the sea.

“We’ll have breakfast on the beach after swimming and we’ll showcase the town of Youghal,” says Linda.

Linda’s husband, Colin, remembers when the Lamour Plage Twinning Group celebrated their 30-year anniversary and long connection with their Youghal counterparts.

“In true Irish tradition, the French Group enjoyed drinks before stories when they arrived here,” says Colin.

What was their tipple of choice?

“Irish coffee of course!” says Colin.

“Nora Veale and her very talented group provided entertainment, music and song with a 1916 theme.  The student exchange programme proved very popular out of which emerged summer jobs in the tourist office and au-pairing,” says Colin.

When it was time to say au revoir to their friends, Youghal Twinning Association were already planning future trips.

“For over three decades, we have formed a wonderful relationship with our Frnech friends,” says Colin. “Long may it continue.”

******

The relationship between Cobh and Ploemel in Brittany has continued for 40 years.

“On June 1, 1984, the Twinning Town of Cobh and Ploemel in Brittany was signed by the late councillor Liam Duggan and Paul Anslin,” says President of Cobh Twinning Association, Shirley Watkins.

“We are honoured to have three original members, Michael O’Mahony, a former Town Clerk, and his wife Joan. Also, Mrs Mary Hennessy.”

The people of both towns meet regularly.

“Every two years we have an exchange,” says Shirley. “It’s not just about the exchange of ‘coming and going’ every two years. It is about weaving and strengthening the links of these two towns.”

Shirley has fond memories of hosting her French neighbours.

“We had a visit in 2023 from the French group,” she says. “The visit was delayed because of Covid.”

They made up for lost time.

We took the group on various tours and beauty spots, including Garnish Island and Gougane Barra, the museums in Waterford City, and the town of Youghal.

Great fun was had by all.

“In the evening, entertainment was provided by a local ukulele group. We all enjoyed some Irish dancing and set dancing.”

This year is a special one for Cobh and Ploermel.

“It is our 40th anniversary,” says Shirley. “The Irish group are invited to Ploermel. We normally celebrate Bastille Day together.”

They are all in it together.

“Many friendships have been made over the years,” says Shirley.