Student exchange programme between Ennis & Phoenix commences

June 15, 2016

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton (left) pictured with the 8 participants in the 2016 Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme at the launch of the Programme at The Rowan Tree Café in Ennis on Tuesday. L-R: Abby Gutierrez (Phoenix), Kate Dillon (Ennis), Jennifer Garnica (Phoenix), Fiona Neylon (Ennis), Alicia Belter (Phoenix), Kellie Whelan (Ennis), Áine Kearins (Ennis), Kyle Haines (Phoenix).

The 2016 Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme will see 8 young people from the Clare County and Arizona State capitals spend time with host families on both sides of the Atlantic.

In one of her first official functions as Mayor of Ennis, Cllr. Ann Norton hosted a lunch on Tuesday at the Rowan Tree Café for the eight Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassadors for 2016, among which were four Phoenix students who arrived in Ennis on Monday for a three-week-long exchange visit.

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Also present were four secondary school students from the Ennis area who will travel to Phoenix on July 12th. The Ennis Youth Ambassadors are Kellie Whelan (Rice College), Kate Dillon, Fiona Neylon and Ainé Kearins (Coláiste Muire).

“This Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme underpins the real and enduring association between Ennis and Phoenix which has delivered cultural, educational and business benefits for both twinning locations. I wish to congratulate all of those who have been involved during the past 28 years,” said Mayor Norton.

Michael Byrne, who recently replaced TJ Waters as Chairperson of the Ennis Phoenix Twinning Committee, welcomed the recently arrived Phoenix contingent of Youth Ambassadors to Ennis.

He said, “Since the formation of the twinning relationship in 1988, civic and community leaders from both sides of the Atlantic have visited each other on exchanges and have developed strong ties and personal friendships. This gathering of Youth Ambassadors presents an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the very special relationship that has been established.”

Mr. Byrne confirmed that efforts are underway to establish an exchange programme involving young golfers from both twinning locations, while plans are already being considered for the 30th Anniversary of the Ennis Phoenix Twinning in 2018.

The Ennis Phoenix Twinning Committee, which is part-funded by Clare County Council, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013. The Committee Members include Michael Byrne (Chair), TJ Waters, Ruth O’Shea, Ronan Dillon, Margaret Neylon, Eddie Corry, Cllr. Mary Howard and Fiona Whelan. More from www.ennisphoenix.com.