Town Clerk Visits Lismore, Australia

At the February Meeting of the Council the Town Clerk stated that while he was on a private visit to Australia, he visited our twin city of Lismore New South Wales.  He then proceeded to show a ten-minute film of Lismore, New South Wales and of the reception that was afforded to him.  He stated that he felt tremendously honoured to have visited the town and thanked the Mayor Merv King, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, General Manager and indeed the people of Lismore for making his visit such a memorable one.  He stated that he received a tremendous welcome in particular at St Carthage's Cathedral and he thanked the Bishop and the pupils of both Trinity and Woodlawn Community Secondary Schools for their welcome.  He stated that while the visit was made on a private basis, it afforded him the opportunity to see and experience the lifestyle of the people there.

He stated that from talking to the people, there was a tremendous interest in Ireland, and in particular our town and it seemed to him that everyone was anxious to further the link between the two communities.  He felt that initially an exchange programme should be encouraged between the schools there and our own Blackwater Community School.  He also stated that the centenary of St Carthage's Cathedral occurs in August 2007 and that it would be fitting if that fact was also acknowledged here. 

He concluded by stating that it was an experience that he will never forget such was the warmth of the welcome he received.