Limerick to celebrate 45 years of Quimper twinning with milestone event
The special event will feature traditional Breton music and dance, language games and dance workshops
THE Limerick Quimper Twinning Committee has announced celebrations marking 45 years of sister-city partnership between Limerick, Ireland and Quimper, Brittany, France, culminating in an evening of Breton and Irish cultures.
The celebrations will take place during the European Sport for All Games on Sunday, organised by Limerick Sports Partnership, with the renowned Mederien Penhars ensemble from Quimper performing throughout the games and featuring prominently at the anniversary celebration.
The main anniversary celebration will be held at Shannon Rowing Club at 5pm, offering views of the River Shannon and Limerick's medieval quarter - the perfect setting to celebrate this enduring international friendship.
The evening will feature: Mederien Penhars Performance – Traditional Breton music and dance, and Planxty O'Rourke Performance – Traditional Irish music and dance celebrating 45 years of partnership, Language Games – Learn essential phrases in both Breton and Irish, breaking down linguistic barriers and celebrating our Celtic heritage, Dance Workshops – Practice traditional Breton and Irish dancing steps to prepare for the evening's grand finale and Céilí Noz – End the night dancing together in this wonderful riverside venue, with the River Shannon as your backdrop.
The twinning relationship between Limerick and Quimper, established in 1981, has grown into a thriving cultural exchange spanning four decades. This milestone celebration recognises the deep bonds of friendship, cultural understanding, and collaborative spirit that have flourished between the two Celtic cities.
“This 45th anniversary is a testament to the enduring connection between Limerick and Quimper," said Laurence Garric, President of the Limerick Quimper Twinning Committee. "The arrival of Mederien Penhars, their participation in the European Sport for All Games and their collaboration with Planxty O'Rourke demonstrates how cultural exchange enriches both our communities. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with a night that brings together the best of Breton and Irish traditions.
“This will be a very special weekend for Limerick, bringing together two important celebrations in the city. As we mark the long-standing twinning relationship between Limerick and Quimper, we will also welcome participants from across Europe for the European Sport for All Games. Both occasions are about friendship, culture, community, and bringing people together. With that in mind, we look forward to welcoming our friends from Quimper, along with delegates and visitors from all across Europe, for what promises to be a fantastic weekend in Limerick.”
Established in 1981, the Limerick Quimper Twinning Committee fosters friendship, cultural exchange, and collaborative initiatives between Limerick, Ireland and Quimper, Brittany, France. Through diverse programming—from educational exchanges to environmental initiatives like the annual Limerick Quimper Tree Festival—the twinning enriches both communities and demonstrates the transformative power of international friendship.