Donegal County Councillors have approved plans for the Lifford/Stranorlar Municipal District to be formally twinned with the town of Simancas in Spain.
The twinning celebrates the cultural ties between the two regions which have historic links to Donegal Gaelic chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell.
Simancas is where Red Hugh O’Donnell passed away in 1602, with his burial being in the nearby city of Valladolid.
Donegal County Council has formed links in recent times with the Simancas City Council and Hispano Irish Association during the celebration of the 420th anniversary of Red Hugh O’Donnell in Valladolid where a plaque was unveiled at the site of the internment of Red Hugh O’Donnell and Christopher Columbus.
September 2022: Cllr. Martin Harley (centre) with Eddie Crawford and Daithi O Mordha, Red Hugh O’Donnell Committee at Simancas Castle.
While the search for the remains of Red Hugh O’Donnell continues, the Hispano Irish Association has been working for years to promote the cultural, historical, social and economic ties between the two nations and as a further step by twinning the birthplace and place of death of the transcendent figure in the history of Ireland, Red Hugh O’Donnell.
Cathaoirleach Martin Harley, who visited Simancas in 2022, proposed the twinning following a declaration from Mayor of the Simancas City Council, Alberto Plaza Martin seeking to promote reciprocal collaboration.
The proposal was first approved by councillors of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District on 5th March and passed by the Plenary Council this morning.
Tags: