Enniscorthy signs Sister Cities Agreement with Blacktown

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke hosted a Civic Reception for a visiting delegation from Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney Australia, held in Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Friday) where the highlight featured the signing of a ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.’

Cllr O’Rourke extended “a warm welcome to Blacktown’s Cllr Brad Bunting, his colleagues and members of the travelling delegation, to our historic town of Enniscorthy to continue a journey and continued friendship between both our nations as we embark on this momentous Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.

Cllr O’Rourke referred to “an immense proud moment on your behalf (Blacktown) and on behalf of the people of Enniscorthy Municipal District to sign this Sister Cities Friendship Agreement which will allow future generations to continue to fly the town flag with pride knowing that friendship is enteral.

Speaking warmly of his previous visit to Ireland and Enniscorthy in 2022, Cllr Brad Bunting complimented the hospitality that the people of Enniscorthy have extended him and his delegation and highlighted the value and importance both he, and the Blacktown City Council, place in building new relationships at a community level with Sister City areas.

Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council said; “I want to highlight the good work that is happening in Enniscorthy led by the elected members and I am delighted to be here this evening signing this special agreement between the two areas.”

The CEO of Blacktown City Council, Mr. Kerry Robinson, OAM thanked both his own team and the local district and council staff for the effort put into the delegation’s itinerary.

Referencing the differences in scale between Blacktown City and Enniscorthy town, Mr. Robinson also emphasised that the importance of the Sister City relationship was about finding and building on the community, education, arts and cultural aspects that the two areas share; noting one the City Councils longest Sister City Relationships is with an area twice the size of Wexford County, but with a population a little over 7,000.”

The delegation from Blacktown City Council, led by Cllr Brad Bunting (representing the Mayor Tony Beasdale OAM) and CEO Kerry Robinson, OAM, are enjoying visits to key tourism locations, including Johnstown Castle and the Irish National Heritage Park, as well as making business connections with local elected members, local schools, Wexford Campus of SETU and Co Wexford GAA. 

District Manager Claire Lawless acted as master of ceremonies, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, assisted with the ceremony, Micu Hassett, Manager, hosted the reception at Enniscorthy Castle, where the invited guests were given a tour of the ancient historic building.