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Twinning societies

Calderdale - Mayo Twin Link Society

In late autumn of 1989 two county Mayo men, Joe Kneafsey (then Mayor of Calderdale) and Michael McDonnell sat together at the All Ireland Final in Dublin. Both men, long-time residents of Calderdale considered the idea of a link between their adopted home Calderdale and their native County Mayo. A long shot, maybe! But here at this game the seeds were sown for what is now a flourishing organisation known as The Calderdale-Mayo Twin Link Society.

On 16 February 1990, the charter was signed in the county hall in Castlebar, County Mayo between the Mayor of Calderdale and the Chairman of Mayo County Council, Mr P. J. Morley, in the presence of the Chief Executive of Calderdale, Mr Michael Ellison and the leader of the Council Group, Councillor Joe Tolan.

The party from Calderdale numbered 76 people covering a wide spectrum of society in the area. Mayo County Council gave a civic reception to the visitors and many of the functions were arranged at different venues in the county. This was a weekend which will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to be present. The generosity was matched by the welcome wherever they went and the weekend passed all too quickly.

On 8 May 1990 there was a return visit to Calderdale by 22 officers of Mayo County Council led by Mr P. J. Morley. They were accorded a civic reception, which created much interest, and social events, including visits to industrial sites and general business undertakings in Calderdale, particularly the tourist areas, were very much appreciated. The Mayor's Ball at the Civic Theatre was a highlight, along with the visit to St Columba's Church for Sunday Mass, where the visiting Mayo men were welcomed by the Ryburn School Band playing popular Irish airs, and the red and green Mayo Flag flying brought the comment from Mr Morley that he was overcome with pride and joy at such a wonderful welcome. He later addressed the congregation in a truly impressive speech.

These highlights are only a few of the many activities carried out during the short space of time since the inauguration.

The future promises to be equally as exciting with many events in the pipeline.

Why not get involved?

• Name:
• Mr Michael McDonnell, Chairman
• Address:
• 'The Lilacs'
  5 Daleside
  Greetland
  Halifax HX4 8QD
• Telephone:
• 01422 373626.

• Name:
• Mr J Kneafsey, President
• Address:
• Cartron House
  Hatchet Hall
  Moorend Road
  Halifax HX2 0RX
• Telephone:
• 01422 356150.

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