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Mayoral visit strengthens twinning links between Ballymoney and Douglas

Mayoral visit strengthens twinning links between Ballymoney and Douglas

Wed, August 02, 2023

The bond between Ballymoney and Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, has been further strengthened following a special Mayoral visit.

The recently elected Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare and her husband Andrew, arrived in Northern Ireland last week to attend the 2023 Armoy Road Races. During their stay, the pair made sure to pay a visit to Ballymoney – the town with which Douglas has been twinned since 2006.

To mark the occasion, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan hosted a reception in Riada House, which was attended by members of Ballymoney Twinning Association. Also in attendance was Douglas Councillor Stephen Pitts and his wife Paula.

Cllr Callaghan said: “It was an honour to host my counterpart from Douglas during her visit to Northern Ireland. The twinning partnership has been a real benefit to both Ballymoney and Douglas and it is important that we continue to promote the cultural and commercial ties between our towns.”

Echoing these sentiments, Cllr Byron-Teare added: “It is a pleasure to visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and to meet elected representatives. I welcome the chance to meet and explore any opportunity to develop the long-standing relationship that exists between Douglas Borough Council and Ballymoney.”

(Front row) Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan with the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare, and her husband Andrew. (Back row L-R) Warner Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Twinning Association; Councillor Jonathon McAuley, CCG Borough Council; Councillor Stephen Pitts, Douglas Borough Council; Councillor Sharon McKillop, CCG Borough Council; Paula Pitts; Adrian Darragh, Ballymoney Twinning Association. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan pictured with the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare, her husband Andrew, Councillor Jonathan McAuley and Alderman Sharon McKillop.