Castlebar commemorates the town's 25-year twinning anniversary

Castlebar recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of its twinning with Höchstadt, Germany, with a civic welcome and commemorative tree planting ceremony.

The civic welcome was attended by the Cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Al McDonnell; Director of Services, Mr David Mellett; and Head of the Castlebar Municipal District, Ms Ann Moore. Also in attendance was the outgoing Mayor of Höchstadt, Mr Gerald Brehm, who was accompanied by a delegation from Germany including Ms Johanna Blum and Mr Bernard Blum.

Representatives of various organisations in the town, Castlebar Municipal District Elected Members and staff were present, along with the Chief Fire Officer of the Mayo Fire Service, Mr Tony Shevlin. Former Director of Services Mr John Condon, former Councillor Mr Paddy McGuinness, and former Chief Fire Officer Mr Seamus Murphy also attended the event, each having played an active role in the twinning arrangement throughout its history. Students and representatives from Davitt College Secondary School addressed the visiting delegation.

Mr Gerald Brehm has served as Bürgermeister (Mayor) of Höchstadt for the past 30 years and has been closely associated with the twinning partnership since his first term of office. His long standing commitment has been instrumental in strengthening and sustaining the relationship between the two towns. Over the past 25 years, the twinning partnership has supported learning, cultural exchange, and professional development  across a range of sectors. It has facilitated the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practice, enhanced organisational capacity, and fostered enduring professional and institutional networks within both communities.