The Mayor and Mayoress visited County Monaghan at the invitation of the Mayor, Councillor David Maxwell. 

The Mayor and Mayoress with Paeder Morgan and the Mayor of Monaghan Councillor David Maxwell 

They made a visit to the Wildlife and Heritage Centre at Clontibret, owned and run by Paeder Morgan where they were entertained by members of the O’Neill Pipe Band Clontibret followed by some younger musicians playing the Irish harp, fiddle and accordion. The band was founded by Mr Morgan and celebrated their 45th anniversary this year.

 The Mayor and Mayoress with Paeder Morgan

The civic party then went to view the Clones St Patrick's Day Parade through the streets of the town, which was followed by a fireworks display. The streets of the town were lined three to four deep with people who had come to watch the parade which consisted of various floats, walking groups, local truck owners and farmers.

His Worship said: 'Saint Patrick's Day was wet with heavy rain which didn't deter many hardy runners who were determined not to be put off in order to compete in a “fun run”  - which I started - and raise money for a local cancer charity. In the afternoon the rain held off sufficiently long enough for people to enjoy the parade through the streets of Monaghan. We then took afternoon tea and joined the Mayor of Monaghan and members of the Council to award prizes and certificates to the winners. The day was rounded off with dinner and entertainment with members of the Monaghan Council.

The following day His Worship was taken to Rally School Ireland where he was given one-to-one tuition by the school’s owner David Smyth (pictured below) in a four-wheel drive Subaru.

Reflecting on the visit His Worship said: 'Some very useful contacts were made and conversations revealed there were similarities between our two towns, which prompted us to discuss a  number of ideas.'