Mayoral visit to ‘Hoopfest’ aims to strengthen US link with Limerick
FORMER Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley experienced the largest three-on-three basketball event as part of the last overseas trip of his term in office.
The Fianna Fail councillor from Abbeyfeale, who was succeeded in the role by Fine Gael’s Gerald Mitchell last month, travelled to the city of Spokane in the USA just days before his 12-month term was up.
The trip cost in the region of €3,100, which members approved retrospectively at the bi-monthly council meeting.
In a briefing note, the council’s senior executive officer Laura Flannery wrote that the invitation from the city administration of Spokane, located in Washington, was issued at the start of last month.
The trip took place between June 20 and June 24 last, and was designed to “further strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two cities.”
Spokane and Limerick have enjoyed a Sister City relationship since March, 1990.
Councillor Foley’s trip was timed so he could experience one of the American city’s landmark events, Hoopfest.
Ms Flannery wrote of the event: “More than 20,000 people of all ages will fill many of the downtown streets to play three-on-three basketball. This is the largest event of its kind in the world.”
The costs approved by councillors included accommodation, flights and travel to and from the airports both in USA and Ireland.
Since the Sister City agreement came into play, many visits have taken place from Limerick.