Friday, March 7, 2025
Yesterday, Providence City Council participated in a signing ceremony at City Hall which formalized a new Twinning Partnership between the City of Providence and the Municipal District of Athlone, Ireland.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan and Mayor Brett Smiley welcomed the mayor of Athlone and several town councilors for the signing of the official agreement document, held in the mayor’s office.
Town twinning is the European term for the arrangement more commonly known as “sister cities” in the United States.
“This agreement is the result of many years of dedicated effort on both sides of the Atlantic by elected officials from both Providence and Athlone,” said Councilwoman Ryan. “I am especially grateful to Mayor Frankie Keena and Providence’s own Patrick Griffin – who originally hails from Athlone – for their work to build this partnership into something real. I am so proud to be here today to see this across the finish line.”
The formal agreement signed on Thursday commits the two municipalities to strengthening their “common interests” through initiatives such as student and sporting exchanges, local business partnerships, environmental sustainability efforts, and many other areas.
“This Twinning Agreement between Providence and Athlone celebrates our shared history and commits us to a future of collaboration,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “By strengthening our cultural, educational and economic ties, we are building a lasting partnership that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”
Both Providence and Athlone have set up committees which will work together to manage the ongoing partnership. Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan serves as president of the Providence committee, with Patrick Griffin serving as vice president and secretary liaison. The Athlone committee is chaired by Councilor Aengus O’Rourke, with Mr. John Henson serving as Secretary Liaison.
The resolution authorizing the city to enter the twinning agreement was passed unanimously by the full City Council on February 20th. The full text of the resolution can be found here.
