By Cianna McNally

Last weekend’s visit of a delegation from the French town Marseillan to Castleblayney came in for high praise at the May monthly meeting of Castleblayney Town Council last night.

The group of eight from Marseillan in the South of France included their own town Mayor Yves Michael and were invited to the mid-Monaghan town by Mayor of Castleblayney Joe Brennan. Castleblayney is officially twinned with Nogent Sur Verisson in Central France and formal exchanges have already taken place between both towns. The Marseillan delegation was interested in investigating further business and tourism links between Castleblayney and their town. Marseillan borders the Mediterranean Sea and along with beautiful beaches is also renowned for its fish, wines and tourism. What’s more, it also boasts 300 sunny days a year!

During their stay the group visited various locations and businesses including the Iontas Centre, the Water Ski Club, Concra Wood Golf and Country Club and Lough Muckno. Businesses visited included Kingspan, Castlecool, GR8 Entertainment Centre and Swallow Studios in Annyalla. The group were also well received by the Glencarn Hotel, Watters Old Coach Inn, C2 restaurant and were treated to a special Traditional Irish Night in Sean’s Bar on Muckno Street. The Marseillan Mayor also assisted the Castleblayney Mayor in officially opening The Willows Labyrinth, which has been created on the grounds of Lough Muckno. The French delegation’s visit concluded with various presentations being made to them on behalf of the people of Castleblayney.

At last night’s meeting Fine Gael councillor Aidan Campbell praised the success of the visit from the French group and said that any links Castleblayney forged with anywhere in the world would be of benefit to the town. Mayor Joe Brennan echoed Cllr Campbell’s sentiments and described the visit as “fantastic” and said that the great weather over the weekend had added to the overall experience. The Town Mayor added that the French Mayor was so impressed with a local Celtic music group who performed in honour of the French guests; he invited them over to a festival in August. Mayor Brennan also thanked Town Clerk Jerome Savage for his part in organising to have the French flag flying from the offices of Castleblayney Town Council in honour of the French delegation’s visit.

Pictured left to right raising a glass are Mayor of Castleblayney Joe Brennan, proprietor of Watters Old Coach Inn, Castleblayney, Raymond Watters and Mayor of Marseillan Yves Michael. Photo by Mary Byrne.