Councillor Al McDonnell, cathaoirleach, Castlebar MD, and Mayor Gerald Brehm, Höchstadt an der Aisch, Germany, planted a tree on the Mall to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Höchstadt twinning with Castlebar. Photo: Alison Laredo

25th anniversary of Höchstadt twinning celebrated in Mayo county town

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CASTLEBAR has commemorated the 25th anniversary of its twinning with Höchstadt, Germany, with a civic welcome and commemorative tree planting ceremony.

The outgoing Mayor of Höchstadt, Gerald Brehm, accompanied by a delegation from Germany, including Johanna Blum and Bernard Blum, were accorded a reception attended by the cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Al McDonnell, director of services David Mellett, and head of the Castlebar Municipal District, Ann Moore. Also in attendance was representatives of various organisations in the town, councillors and district staff, along with the chief fire officer of the Mayo Fire Service, Tony Shevlin, former director of services John Condon, former councillor Paddy McGuinness, and former chief fire officer Seamus Murphy, each having played an active role in the twinning arrangement throughout its history. Students and representatives from Davitt College also addressed the delegation.

Davit College German language students Byron Cleary, Melinda Lengyel, Blake Joyce, Hollie Clarke, Tara Coen, Paddy O’Brien and Mateuss Dobrzylski with principal Conor O’Reilly, teacher Maria Carey and Mayor Gerald Brehm, Höchstadt an der Aisch, at the civic welcome in Bridge Street to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Höchstadt twinning with Castlebar. Photo: Alison Laredo

Mr. Brehm has served as Bürgermeister (Mayor) of Höchstadt for the past 30 years and has been closely associated with the twinning partnership since his first term of office. His long-standing commitment has been instrumental in strengthening and sustaining the relationship between the two towns.

Over the past 25 years, the twinning partnership has supported learning, cultural exchange, and professional development across a range of sectors. It has facilitated the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practice, enhanced organisational capacity, and fostered enduring professional and institutional networks within both communities.

The tangible impact of the twinning arrangement is evident in initiatives such as the long-standing cooperation between the fire services of Castlebar and Höchstadt, which has included shared training opportunities and operational learning. In addition, the enduring partnership between Davitt College and Realschule Höchstadt has demonstrated the significant benefits of educational exchange, professional collaboration, intercultural awareness, and personal development.

Seamus Murphy, John Condon and Paddy McGuinness with Mayor Gerald Brehm. The four men were among the founders of the twinning 25 years ago. Photo: Alison Laredo

What began as a formal civic connection has, over a quarter of a century, evolved into a vibrant and meaningful relationship. The twinning has resulted in lasting friendships among individuals, families, community groups, clubs, voluntary organisations, and civic institutions, contributing positively to the social and cultural life of both Castlebar and Höchstadt.

David Mellett, director of services, Dwayne Jordan, Karen Ruane, Anne Moore, head of Castlebar Municipal District, Tony Shevlin, chief fire officer and county librarian Austin Vaughan pictured with Mayor Gerald Brehm at the civic welcome. Photo: Alison Laredo
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