Mooncoin / Plounevez -Lochrist 
Twinning Association
Twinning Association
The work of the M.P.L.T.A. is at this stage well established in the villages of Mooncoin Co. Kilkenny Ireland and Plounevez -Lochrist, Britanny , France. The two towns have been in contact now for over five years and a professional and personal rappor ha s developed between the inhabitants. They have seen many exchanges over the years, ranging from sporting trips such as the Mooncoin Soccer Club to the local Guides unit. But the emphasis has also been on total involvement for all the villagers , no matter what their age or occupation. To this end , delegation groups went to and were received at Mooncoin in alternate years. Through these exchanges , the people of both towns , by staying in local houses with local families, developed personal contacts, which could be maintained at a later stage without the aid of the twinning organisation.
It was decided early on in the partnership that the official twinning would not take place until a solid relationship had formed between the two villages. So in the summer of 1996 under the chair of Jimmy Brennan, Mooncoin, and Paschal Madec, Plounevez- Lochrist, th e decision was also made to initiate th e official twinning between the two towns in the summer of 1997.
It was also decided that Mooncoin would travel to Plounevez for the first part of this twinning. A group of fifty two people were to make the trip , consisting of musicians , industrial workers , farmers , taxi-drivers , mechanics , lorry drivers , and students.
The result was a wonderful week , full of cultural and social activities, which both communities thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from.
Visitors from Mooncoin travelled from Roslare to Roscoff onn June 26 1997 and were warmly greeted by their French counterparts. Both groups were introduced , refreshments served , host families exchanged emergency phone lists etc. Gifts were exchanged between hosts and visitors.
The next days were taken up with official visits to farms, industries, museums, night time social events , where there were interchanges with th e local community.
OFFICIAL TWINNING CEREMONY.
Sunday June 29 the official ceremony was initiated.
Speeches and addresses were given by Mr. Pascal Madec, chairperson of the Twinning Association, Mr. Pierre Chaplain, Mayor of Plounevez, Mr Jimmy Brennan and Kevin Dunphy, Secretary of Mooncoin. There was an exchange of gifts.
The official charter was then signed in four languages, Breton : Irish : English : French. 250 people attended an official dinner. Music was provided by both Breton and Irish musicians.
Everyone looked forward to the return visit to Mooncoin next year.
