Tullow has a twin!
Cathaoirleach Tullow MD, cllr John Penter signs a charter in Mount Wolseley Hotel twinning Tullow with Marìa de Huerva a municipality in Zaragoza in Spain. Also signing the charter is Mayor of María de Huerva Joaquín Calleja and Cathaoirleach Carlow Co Co cllr Ken Murnane. Also shown are (l-r), Rodolfo Canizares and Julia Ruiz, delegates Marìa de Huerva with cllrs Jim Deane, Ben Ward and William Paton, Nicola Timmons and Kathy Walsh from Develop Tullow and Michael Brennan, Director of Services Carlow County Council Photo: Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026
A TWINNING charter between Tullow town and María de Huerva, Spain was formally signed at a ceremony in Mount Wolseley hotel on Thursday 9 April, with elected representatives and community members from both towns in attendance.
The twinning arrangement came about when a Carlow native, Noel Hughes originally from Ballinabranna, who resides in María de Huerva, contacted the council about a potential twinning opportunity as neither Tullow nor María de Huerva had any formal links.
Discussions followed between representatives of both towns, with a delegation from María de Huerva receiving a tour of Tullow, where they met with members of Carlow County Chamber to discuss the establishment of business links between the two towns.
The partnership is expected to open up a range of possibilities for both communities, including student exchanges, cultural visits and networking opportunities between the two towns.
María de Huerva is a small town located in the Zaragoza province of north-eastern Spain, lying just south of the city of Zaragoza, one of the largest cities in Spain, and part of the greater Zaragoza metropolitan area.
It has a population of around 8,000 people and has grown significantly in recent decades as a commuter town serving Zaragoza.
Cathaoirleach of Tullow Municipal District cllr John Pender said it was a great honour to formally sign the charter and mark a “truly meaningful moment in the life of our communities”.
“Twinning is not just an agreement between two places on a map. It is a bond between people, between families, schools, cultural groups, business communities and generations. It is a promise that we will learn from one another, support one another and grow together.” Cllr Pender said the partnership will open doors for both towns through cultural exchanges, educational collaboration, economic development, tourism and more.
“Our young people will have the chance to experience new perspectives and broaden their horizons. Our artists, educators and local organisations will find new platforms to share their talents. Our businesses will discover new opportunities and valuable connections,” he added.
Mayor of María de Huerva Joaquín Calleja Romero, in his address, said it was a great honour for him to be present for such a special occasion and thanked cllr Pender, Carlow Co Council and the wider Tullow community for the warm welcome and for making the partnership possible.
“Today, we celebrate the signing of our twinning agreement, an important step that brings our two communities closer together,” Mr Romero said.
“This agreement is not only a formal document but also a symbol of co-operation, respect and shared values. It shows our wish to learn from each other, to work together and to build strong and lasting relationships.
“Let us look to the future with enthusiasm and continue to grow this partnership for the benefit of our citizens,” he concluded.
