Clondalkin seeks twinning with Karlsruhe

CLONDALKIN is to seek to be twinned with the German city of Karlsruhe following a motion passed at Wednesday’s (December 14) Clondalkin local area committee meeting of South Dublin County Council.

Councillor Francis Timmons had proposed that Karlsruhe and Clondalkin be twinned “given the historical connections between both locations and ask that SDCC progress this and keep the area committee updated.”

The motion was passed and the council mentioned the other twinning arrangements in the County.

Cllr Timmons told The Echo: “I am delighted my motion was passed at today’s area meeting. I will now work with all interested parties in ensuring that it becomes a reality, Twinning is good for tourism and for a town such as ours that has huge historical landmarks.

“Anyone I have spoken to so far as shown interest in the twinning proposal. I Support that twinning is for the future, not just for today.”

He pointed out the links between Clondalkin and Karlsruhe.

He said: “According to the Annals of the four masters, Saint Chrónáin Mochua was the first Abbot while Saint Fugillus was the first Bishop of Clondalkin: During this time in Ireland monks created beautiful manuscripts of the Gospels.

“One such book, the Clondalkin Mass Book is to be seen in Karlsruhe Library.”

Cllr Timmons also supports the ambition of the Clondalkin heritage group that recognition be given to the Book fragment in Karlsruhe in some manner and perhaps that a facsimile copy of this manuscript could be made and permission granted to have it on display in the new Visitors’ Centre.