By Dan Walsh
Since the Fishguard-Rosslare ferry began in 1906, the Wales-Ireland route has thrived, connecting communities and families on the popular and historic 54-mile Irish Sea crossing.
And a new chapter of friendship has developed. Rosslare Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy, and Fishguard & Goodwick Mayor, Cllr William Shaw, have formally entered into a twinning agreement. This partnership will enable both portside communities to collaborate on a range of projects over the coming years.
Culturally both towns share a rich heritage that is worth celebrating and sharing, from traditional festivals to local arts and music scenes there will be numerous opportunities for cultural exchange that can enrich the lives of both.
The objective of the twinning relationship is for the provision of the conditions for the development of mutually beneficial co-operation between the public, community and business entities in their areas, with a particular consideration for institutions, which are involved in fostering culture.
Cllr Ger Carthy stated; “The proposal to formally twin Rosslare Municipal District with Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council is an exciting step towards fostering a deeper connection between the two communities. By building on the already strong relations between the councils, this twinning aims to promote cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and shared tourism ventures that can enrich both regions.”
The agreement was signed on board the Stena Nordica on the Irish Sea as a delegation including Cllrs Ger Carthy and Jim Codd, Nóirín Cummins, District Manager, and other Rosslare Municipal District officials along with members of the Kilmore Scouts voyaged between Rosslare and Fishguard.
The delegation also participated in the annual commemoration to remember the lives that were lost at sea on the SS St Patrick on the morning of June 13th 1941 when bombed by a German plane 15 miles off the Welsh coast.
Poignant ceremonies were held both in Fishguard and aboard the Stena Nordica and included the symbolic gesture of dropping wreaths into the sea, serving as a tribute to the souls lost in the tragic sinking of the vessel.
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