SAVANNAH, it is said, has a way of capturing your heart like no other.
The oldest city in the US state of Georgia, the Southern destination located on the coast has often been described as “brutally romantic”.
Famous for its Southern hospitality, French colonial houses, tight cobbled streets, and oak trees trickling in Spanish moss, Savannah has certainly put a spell on Limerick councillors.
Over the last couple of years, Limerick City and County Council has sent a delegation to this sultry and historic spot, often referred to as the ‘Hostess City’ for its annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
At a full meeting of the local authority, councillors were asked to consider a recommendation to approve the formal establishment of Limerick and Austin, Texas, as sister cities.
However, Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey took the opportunity to propose that Limerick also looks at establishing Savannah, Georgia, as its sister city. Cllr Teskey, who lead the first Limerick delegation to the Southern US city, told the Council executive that the two locations shared a “combined history”.
“There’s obvious links with the ports and with our schools. I think any of my colleagues that have been there will be able to voice the same opinion. It’s a worthwhile, obvious relationship that needs to be established,” the Adare-Rathkeale representative insisted.
Cllr Sarah Kiely supported her Fine Gael colleague’s proposal.
“I would like to point out similarities between Limerick and Savannah. We both have a school of art and design. A lot of work is underway. The Chamber of Commerce is now meeting with the business community in Savannah, Georgia, online as well,” she said.
“The Foynes Port have had meetings as well. Mary Immaculate College are now meeting with colleges in Savannah to look at their Irish Department.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins also said that he had the pleasure of being on one of the trips to Savannah, which has “a huge Irish community”.
“They’re very proud of their Irish heritage. They’re very active and they have reached out to Limerick and hopefully we’ve reached out to them,” Cllr Collins said.
Links, the Newcastle West man said, have also been forged by Shannon Airport and Savannah to look at direct flights between the two airports.
Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) welcomed the original proposal to establish sisterhood between Limerick and Austin. He pointed to the “incredible connections” between the two cities, which come from strong connections with Dell.
Cllr Butler also wholeheartedly supported the call for establishing a link between Limerick and Savannah.
“I think it’s fair to say that we’ve established relationships, we’ve shown intent. Now it’s time to step up to the plate and take it a bit further, because that’s what these trips are about,” he said.
Council Director General of LCCC Dr Pat Daly told Council members that they can only have a certain number of sister cities because there’s a cap from the Sister City International Group.
“We will seek to expand that,” he concluded.
