Delegates from Bray’s twin city Wurzburg visit to mark 25 years of partnership

The visiting delegation received a warm welcome from the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O'Brien, and the Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Dermot O'Brien. The delegation was led by Bürgermeisterin, Stadt Würzburg, Judith Roth-Jörg and Matthias Fleckenstein, Deutsch-Irische Gesellschaft, Würzburg and Stadt Würzburg Council Members and Officials.

The visitors participated in a programme of events which took place from Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday November 3, hosted by Wicklow County Council, the Irish German Society of County Wicklow and Bray Municipal District.

Upon their arrival in Bray on Wednesday evening, the delegation enjoyed local hospitality, providing an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new acquaintances.

Wicklow County Council showcased some of the county's tourist attractions with a short tour on Thursday morning, including a visit to Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese, where the delegates learned about cheese-making and the challenges facing a business in County Wicklow.

The visiting delegation also met with the senior management team of Wicklow County Council. Deputy chief executive Michael Nicholson provided an overview of the strategic projects the council is involved in, followed by presentations from various council staff members.

Welcoming the delegation, Cllr O'Brien said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today to hear about the work the council is involved in and explore ways of expanding the twinning relationship to capitalise on opportunities and friendships which exist. This twinning arrangement has been very dynamic over the last 25 years and it is brilliant to see it continue to flourish."

Chief executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O'Gorman said: "An integral part of this twinning has been the role played by young people on school and cultural exchanges. I would like thank the schools who facilitated and promoted these exchanges along with the Wicklow German Society."

As part of the programme, there was an official reaffirmation of the partnership agreement between Stadt Würzburg and Bray and County Wicklow.

This ceremony was attended by elected representatives, members of the Irish German Society, and local community members. Following the reaffirmation, delegates had the opportunity to visit St Killian's School and the Carlisle Grounds.