The Twinning Experience

On their visits to Gort, the people from Rouillon have been entertained by our local traditional musicians, singers and dancers. A welcome reception is usually held in the Lady Gregory Hotel.   We have taken them on tours of the local area and visited places lilke Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee, Kiltartan Museum, Kilmacduagh, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Flaggy Shore.  A very enjoyable afternoon was spent at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park where we arranged a guided tour of the castle and our French friends loved their visit to the many and varied houses and farm houses, the village street, replicas of the 1800/1900 way of life to the Irish Farmer, farm worker, tradesmen, fishermen and traders in the Folk Park. On their first Twinning visit, the people of Rouillon were given a civic reception by the then County Mayor, Willie Burke, at County Hall, Galway.

 We have shown them an exhibition of hurling in the local GAA pitch (they reckon it's better than Rugby!!) and even wanted to know if there was any chance of playing on the Gort Hurling Team! 

In September 2007, the French people visited the Galway races.  Most of our visitors had never been so close to horses previously.  Some people enjoyed beginners luck, betting on the horses while others enjoyed the Irish hospitality in the Bars.  

We took them to our many local Restaurants to let them sample our tasty menus.

 

On our visits to Rouillon we have enjoyed the very warm hospitality of the Twimming Committee there.  Each time we have received a formal welcome at the Town Hall.  The folks from Gort have visited the ancient city of Le Mans (of the 24 hour rally fame) where we have visited the wonderful St Julien Cathedral, local markets, local museums, Le Mans race track, wine cellars and, of course, the local wine bars!!.

We have also visited the villages of Parce, Asnieres, Asnieres-sur Verge, Malicorne, Solesmes and St Peter's Benedictine Ababey which is famour worldwide for research and recording of Gregorian Chants.

The Gort group have abiding memories of their visit to the Castle of Usse, which overlooks the Indre and Loire Valley.  This Castle was the inspiration for the 17th century fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

 

In September 2008, our children were delighted to have had the opportunity to attend the local school for a half day.

 

Our friends from Rouillon have also taken us to many wonderful restaurants where we have enjoyed the culinary delights of France.  Some of us have sampled snails and frogs legs!!

 

The Gort/Rouillon Twinning Association wishes to enlarge its membership.  It is open to all, young and not so young.  Anyone interested in more information and becoming involved with the twinning project can contact Martina Earley (086) 3750388, Olivia O'Grady (086) 8096121 or Nora Connolly (087) 9074815 or any member of the Committee.