Longford County Council celebrates historic Twinning connection between Ballinamuck and Essert
Week-long programme of events culminates with official welcome ceremony in The 98 Hall
Press Release: Friday, 1 August 2025
Longford County Council marked the unique historic Twinning connection between Ballinamuck and the French town of Essert, Franche Comte with an official welcoming ceremony which took place recently in The 98 Hall following a week-long programme of events.
A group of 20 people, including 11 young people and nine adults from the town of Essert in the North Eastern region of France concluded a week-long series of activities and visits throughout County Longford which culminated with a community evening in The 98 Hall.
This year’s visit marks the 28th anniversary of this historic twinning which first took place in France in 1997. The twinning was initiated by Ballinamuck Community Enterprise Group as part of the bi-centenary of the 1798 Rebellion. In 1798 a contingent of French soldiers was sent to Ireland by Napoleon under the command of General Humbert, who came from the Vosges region in the North East of France, a neighbouring county to France Comte.
The combined Irish and French forces were defeated at the Battle of Ballinamuck and the event has lived on in the folk memory of the people of Ballinamuck.
The Ballinamuck Enterprise Group, a local voluntary committee have maintained the link with Essert, France over the past 28 years. The twinning exchange has always included a focus on young people and this year the group enjoyed a sports day using local amenities, a beach day in Bundoran, camping and activities at the Shannon River Adventure centre as well as a day of digital skills and safety in the Foróige Attic House. The adult visitors enjoyed a visit to the Cavan Museum and Crafts in Ireland, a cycle along the Royal Canal Greenway to Cloughan Farm where they took part in a cookery demonstration, chocolate making in Torc in Longford Town, a day trip to the Titanic exhibition in Belfast and the official welcome evening from Longford County Council.
As part of the official celebrations and to mark the historic occasion, the Granard Municipal District meeting of Longford County Council also took place in The 98 Hall on Monday afternoon prior to the twinning event.
Tess Murphy, Ballinamuck Enterprise Group and member of the Ballinamuck Twinning Committee acted as MC for proceedings. The group also enjoyed a showing of the documentary marking the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Ballinamuck, complete with French subtitles. Local school children also provided a wonderful display of traditional Irish dance.
The screening was followed by an evening of traditional Irish music played by local musicians in the 98 Bar.
Director of Services with Longford County Council, John Brannigan who was deputising at the official welcome ceremony for the Chief Executive praised the voluntary committee for their efforts in ensuring another successful twinning exchange.
“The Battle of Ballinamuck was the last major engagement of the 1798 rebellion. The defeat of the combined Irish and French forces has lived on in the folk memory of the people of Ballinamuck and it still resonates to this day. The local voluntary committee must be commended for their efforts to maintain these historic links with the town of Essert over the past 28 years. Through these many visits, people from both Ballinamuck and Essert have had many authentic, first-hand experiences of another culture. These are unique opportunities, opening up new ways of life while also remembering the historic connection, particularly for school students.”
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said that the group from Essert had enjoyed a wonderful range of activities and sampled a real taste of County Longford culture. “County Longford and the Hidden Heartlands region has so much to offer from a cultural, historic and activity point of view and it’s fitting that the programme of events for the young people and adults from Essert showcased the wealth of people and places that can be enjoyed in County Longford. We are very proud of the friendship that we’ve built with Essert over the past 28 years. It has been a fantastic way for both our young people and adults to experience a different culture, meet new people and make memories while also celebrating that unique historic connection.”
Paddy Howe, Chairperson of the Ballinamuck Enterprise Group acknowledged the investment of Longford County Council in the area and he said, “This twinning exchange has been a real team effort, and special thanks must go to all the host families and volunteers who opened up their homes and hearts to our French visitors. The support from the local community has been incredible- from helping with events to showcasing all that County Longford has to offer. We are extremely proud of this unique historic connection between Essert and Ballinamuck and we will continue to build on this every year.” The Chairperson said that the twinning exchange was an “exciting opportunity for young people to make new friends and experience another culture” and he noted that “these interactions are increasing important in a world dominated by the screen and social media.”
President of the Essert Twinning Committee, Marie Christine Grand Jean said, “Every time we meet, we experience the charms of Irish culture, the genuine atmosphere of this special village of Ballinamuck, evenings in the pub, traditional music, a taste for communication, hard work and human relations.” She praised the rich and varied programme of events during the week-long celebration and noted that “educating young people in digital citizenship is more relevant than ever.”
The Ballinamuck and Essert Town Twinning Committees also acknowledged the support they received in organising the event from the Ballinamuck community, the host families, and Longford County Council.
