Ambassador visits Mayo to launch Year of the French celebrations

THE French Ambassador to Ireland has visited Mayo to launch the Year of the French (Bliain na bhFrancach, L'Année des Francais) celebrations.

During his visit, Ambassador Vincent Guerend enjoyed a tour of significant sites relating to the Year of the French, including Kilcummin, where General Humbert landed in 1798.

He also unveiled a new digital arts installation - Mise en Lumières - at Humbert Street in Ballina at what was the first public event of the Ballina 2023 celebrations.

Ambassador Guerend was joined by members of the Dunford family and students from Templemary National School as he planted the first Tree of Liberty in honour of the late Steve Dunford, founder of In Humbert's Footsteps, in the school grounds.

Some 225 trees are to be planted in various locations where General Humbert is revered across Ireland.

Deputy Dara Calleary said it was a fitting tribute to Steve Dunford that the first of those trees was planted in Killala, in his memory.

The visit by the Ambassador is the start of a year-long initiative celebrating the long-lasting friendship between Ireland and France, and also marks the first milestone in a year-long collaboration between Ballina 2023, the French Embassy, Mayo County Council, Ballina Municipal District and In Humbert's Footsteps to mark the 225th anniversary of the French landing in nearby Kilcummin, led by General Humbert, on August 22, 1798, and the 200th anniversary of General Humbert's death.

Deputy Calleary said the year-long events will see the already strong links between Mayo and France strengthened throughout 2023.