Home News Community In Pictures: American delegation from Franklin City/Williamson County, Tennessee, enjoy whirlwind trip...

In Pictures: American delegation from Franklin City/Williamson County, Tennessee, enjoy whirlwind trip around Laois

A delegation from Franklin City/Williamson County in Tennessee, USA, were in Laois this week to take in all that the County has to offer.

Franklin City/Williamson County is paired with Laois as part of the ‘Sister Cities’ twinning agreement that commits both parties to work together to explore new and creative opportunities to promote trade, commerce and tourism for their mutual benefit.

The American delegation included 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.

The delegation began their three-day tour of Laois by sitting in on Laois County Council’s June monthly meeting, where Mayor Moore exchanged gifts with outgoing Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming.

Following the meeting, the delegation attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the James Fintan Lalor monument to commemorate his 175th anniversary.

Next up was a visit to Midland Steel in Junction 17 Enterprise Park, Portlaoise, where the Council’s Business Support Unit impressed the delegation with a presentation on the Unit’s economic strategy for Laois, followed by a tour of the plant.

A trip to the Treo Nua Community Centre in Knockmay was next, where the delegation met with representatives from the local residents’ groups and Portlaoise Family Resource Centre Manager Joan Bolger.

The delegation visited Portlaoise Library and met with County Librarian Bernie Foran and the Council’s Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan who showed off some local history artifacts and paintings by local artists’ group Laois Fusion.

Renowned local historians Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons of the Laois Heritage Society gave a talk at the Portlaoise Plane while Fire Chief Johnson visited the Portlaoise Fire Station.

The evening concluded with skills session at the Centre of Excellence where the delegation tried their hand at rounders, from which baseball evolved, as well as Gaelic football and hurling, before stepping inside O’Moore Park too take in the home of Laois GAA.

On Tuesday, the delegation explored a series of local attractions around the county, including Emo Court and House, Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum, Abbeyleix Bog, Heywood Gardens, Timahoe Round Tower and the Rock of Dunamaise.

The day culminated with a BBQ at Ballykilcavan Brewery and Farm, Kylebeg, with the Music Generation Laois Intermediate Trad group providing music.

The evening offered a traditional Laois Comhaltas Session with special guest Emer Dunne at PJ Kavanaghs Bar in Portlaoise.

The tour concluded on Wednesday with the delegation visiting the Mountmellick Lace Museum.

SEE ALSO – Calls for increased fines for non-permit holders using disabled parking areas