The transatlantic connection between Laois and the USA grew even stronger this week with the arrival of a specially selected delegation from Tennessee.
Laois was paired with Franklin City/Williamson County in 2008 as part of the ‘Sister Cities’ twinning agreement.
The Agreement commits both parties to work together to explore new and creative opportunities to promote trade, commerce and tourism for their mutual benefit.
Laois County Council’s Cathaoirleach, Councillor Padraig Fleming, and Acting Chief Executive, Mr Simon Walton, visited Tennessee in August of last year and returned with news that “significant opportunities” in sport and agriculture were to be explored.
A delegation from Franklin City/Williamson County arrived in Laois this week, including Mayor of Franklin City, Dr Ken Moore, Alderman Beverly Burger, Fire Chief Glen Johnson, Chairperson of Williamson County Sister City Committee Kim Cannon and City Administrator Eric Stuckey.
An Cathaoirleach Fleming welcomed the delegation to Laois County Council’s monthly meeting this week where he spoke about the “commitment to work together to explore new and creative opportunities to promote trade, commerce and tourism” between the two communities.
Cllr Fleming spoke about “student, cultural, sporting and other exchanges” which he said would “develop over the course of the coming months.”
There is a strong culture of soccer and athletics in Franklin City, which is home to Tennessee Soccer Club, who are part of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) – a national youth soccer developmental league in the United States.
The delegation will be focusing a significant portion of their time in Laois on exploring sports connections, including a visit to O’Moore Park to take in the home of Laois GAA as well as a trip to Rossleighan Park where the possibility of “criss-crossing” soccer teams is on the agenda.
Mayor Ken Moore addressed the County Council, where he thanked them for their hospitality and spoke of his love for Guinness, Irish coffee and Irish breakfast.
Mayor Moore said this is his third visit to Ireland following two previous golf holidays in different parts of the country.
He also spoke about his family tree and said he traced his family tree to County Cork.
Like Laois, agriculture is also a pivotal part of day-to-day life in Franklin, whose major livestock including cattle, sheep, pig, poultry, horses and aquaculture. The city’s main crops include grains, oilseeds, peas, beans, and notably tobacco.
Both parties mentioned farming as an industry which could prove “mutually beneficial.”
Mayor Moore presented gifts to the Council on behalf of the delegation, including a road sign from Franklin City, books chronicling Williamson County and the State of Tennessee, as well as a commemorative umbrella.
Cathaoirleach Fleming also presented a gift to the Mayor – a portrait of The Rock of Dunamaise, which will provide another stop on the delegation’s tour around Laois.
Finally, the delegation were in attendance for a wreath-laying ceremony at the James Fintan Lalor monument to commemorate his 175th anniversary.
