Representatives from Tuam are in Germany this week to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the town’s twinning partnership with the Bavarian city of Straubing.
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Tuam Cllr Mary Hoade is leading the delegation, accompanied by Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens and Meetings Administrator Geraldine Byrne.
The visit centres on a special Town Partnership Day, bringing together delegations from Straubing’s three twinned towns, Tuam, Romans in France and Wels in Austria, to celebrate more than three decades of European friendship and cooperation.
The programme includes a civic reception, visits to major civic projects, discussions on international youth work, and participation in events at the Gäubodenvolksfest, one of Bavaria’s largest traditional festivals, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Also attending are Deputy Consul of Ireland in Munich Kate Hall and Tara Baynes from the Irish Consulate.
The partnership dates back to the mid-1980s, when Tuam historian Dr Tony Claffey proposed a twinning based on the shared heritage and the cultural and religious links established by early Irish missionaries in Bavaria.
German was being taught in most Tuam secondary schools by 1987, with annual student exchanges beginning two years later.
Partnership
The twinning was formally ratified in 1991 and has since developed into a wide-ranging partnership encompassing education, culture, tourism and business. Exchanges have involved schools, music and theatre groups, while Tuam students have taken up summer employment in Straubing.
The close relationship is also reflected in Straubing, where a street has been named in honour of Tuam.
Cllr Mary Hoade said the 35th anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the generations who had built and maintained the relationship.
“The 35th anniversary is a significant milestone for Tuam and Straubing. What began with our shared heritage and cultural connections has developed into a lasting friendship involving schools, community groups, businesses and families.
“The annual student exchanges, which began in 1989, are an important part of that relationship and have created friendships and connections that have lasted across generations. It is a great honour to represent Tuam in Straubing as we celebrate this important anniversary.”
Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister ) of Straubing Markus Pannermayr said the partnership had created lasting links between the two communities.
“For 35 years, Tuam and Straubing have built a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and learning from each other.
“It has grown from its early focus on education into a wider relationship involving culture, music, business, tourism and community life. We are delighted to welcome our friends from Tuam this week and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council’s Municipal District of Tuam, said the relationship had been sustained by generations of people in both communities.
“The strength of the Tuam-Straubing relationship is that it has always been about people. Over 35 years, students, families, community groups, performers and businesses have maintained those links.
“The 35th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the partnership and to build on those connections for future generations.”
The historic city of Straubing in southeast Germany is located on the banks of the River Danube. With a population of around 50,000, it is known for its well-preserved medieval centre, Gothic architecture and strong agricultural heritage.
