Transatlantic ties celebrated in Ballina

A delegation from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, visited Ballina this week to celebrate the long-standing twinning partnership between the two communities and to enjoy one of the town's biggest events.

The group, led by President of Pittsfield Twinning Marie Gormally, spent time in Ballina during the Salmon Festival and Heritage Day celebrations and attended a reception with members of the Ballina Municipal District.

Ballina and Pittsfield, in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, have been officially twinned since 1998.

Over the past 28 years, delegations have travelled regularly between the two communities, building cultural and educational links and strengthening civic ties between the west of Ireland and the United States.

With the partnership approaching its 30th anniversary in 2028, both communities are already looking ahead to the milestone celebrations.

Addressing councillors, Ms Gormally shared a message from Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, who thanked those involved in maintaining the long-standing relationship.

“Our relationship remains strong thanks to the hard work, diligence and commitment of the Irish Sister City Committee and Pittsfield Sister City Commission.

“It is important to keep momentum going on this relationship and have this relationship continue to flourish for years to come,” he said.

Ms Gormally also presented the councillors with locally produced maple syrup from Pittsfield as a gift from the visiting delegation.

Speaking about the origins of the partnership, she said the relationship had continued to grow stronger since it was first established almost three decades ago.

“From the Green Hills of Berkshire County, Pittsfield, USA, to the Emerald Isle of County Mayo, Ballina, Ireland, it was in 1998 that these two cities across the Atlantic joined hands, thus starting a relationship that grows stronger every year,” she said.

She said the two communities had shared countless exchanges over the years, learning about one another's culture, history and traditions.

“Our forefathers emigrated to an unknown land to be met by Lady Liberty, book and torch in hand. Generation to generation, nationality to nationality, cultural bonds began. These bonds continue to this day,” she added.

“Relationships have flourished, strong and lasting friendships have been made. We are part of a global community, and working together means that we can achieve great things. Our rich histories and cultures, our twinning, our sister cities, can take us into the future, learning more, sharing more, being hopeful and optimistic for generations to come.” 

Ms Gormally also congratulated Ballina on hosting the recent informal meeting of European Union ministers, saying the achievement was celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

“It marks the first time Ballina hosted a major international diplomatic event of such scale, welcoming delegates and officials from all over Europe to the west of Ireland.

“It was a historic moment for you, and because of the deep roots that Pittsfield shares with you, that pride stretches across the Atlantic.

“From the folks in Pittsfield, it feels like a win for family. When Ballina celebrates hitting the global stage, Pittsfield gets to share in it,” she said.

Also among the delegation was Anne Gagnon, the founding president of the Pittsfield Twinning, who played a key role in establishing the twinning arrangement.

“I travelled around Ireland on my own in 1997. I visited a few cities that expressed an interest in twinning, but I didn’t actually come to Ballina that time because they hadn’t answered our letter," she explained. “It was after I got home from the trip that we received a reply saying Ballina was extremely interested in twinning. By St Patrick's Day 1998, Ballina sent a delegation to Pittsfield, and we signed up as twin cities."

“We have been coming back and forth for 28 years, it’s going to be a big celebration in 2028 for the 30th year. It's such a lovely connection to have,” she said.

Welcoming the visitors, Cathaoirleach Cllr Annie May Reape said they had arrived at the best time to experience Ballina, with Heritage Day and the Salmon Festival showcasing the town at its best.

She gifted the group a beautiful painting called 'Out and About in Ballina' by artist Simone Walsh.

“It's lovely to see such a large group of you. It's so important to keep these links,” she said. “Some of you are here in Ballina for the next few days. You have the best of the weather, that is quite unique,” she joked.

“You are in for some treat today when you go up town for Heritage Day. “It's a wow factor day, it goes back in time to show what Ireland was like long before we were all born, but it gives an idea of how far we’ve come.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.