About Us
The Friends of Clonmel is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the sister city bond between Peoria, Illinois, and Clonmel, Ireland. Established in 1998 after an official agreement between Mayors Lowell “Bud” Grieves and Vera Hewitt, we promote cultural, educational, and community exchanges that foster lasting connections.
Read more about our history below!
History
Clonmel, Ireland, and Peoria, Illinois, became official sister cities in 1998 after their mayors
signed a formal agreement. Since then, the collaboration has evolved through cultural
exchanges, community events, and strong personal connections extending across the Atlantic.
That same year The Friends of Clonmel was created as a Peoria area, non-profit and non-governmental organization to promote and expand the sister city relationship between Peoria, Illinois, USA and Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The Friends of Clonmel is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Friends of Clonmel endeavors to foster and facilitate exchanges between Peoria and Clonmel. We work to promote friendship between the people of Peoria and Clonmel, and most importantly to have fun!
What is a Sister City?
A sister city relationship is a formal collaboration between two towns, often from different
nations, that aims to foster cultural understanding, educational exchange, and communal
connectedness.
Founded as a “people-to-people” initiative by President Eisenhower following WWII, these
connections are formalized through agreements between local leaders and deepen through
cooperative initiatives, visits, and volunteer efforts.
Peoria is honored to be Clonmel‘s sister city, carrying on the legacy of global friendship and
collaboration.
The Friends of Clonmel is a part of the Peoria Sister City Commission. The Sister City Commission is designed to improve the relationship between The City of Peoria; Clonmel, Ireland; Friedrichshafen, Germany; and Benxi, China, Aytou, Lebanon. Members of each organization are appointed to the mayor’s commission.
The Sister City Mission
Our objective is to strengthen the relationship between Clonmel, Ireland, and Peoria, Illinois, via cultural exchange, education, and community involvement. We want to build meaningful, people-driven connections that celebrate shared values, foster mutual understanding, and stimulate cross-border collaboration.
We strengthen both communities by cultivating connections and relationships, which promote growth, learning, and a sense of global unity.
Our Mission
The Friends of Clonmel exists to encourage friendships and cultural exchanges between individuals of Peoria and Clonmel. Our work is to strengthen international bonds, promote educational and cultural possibilities, and, most importantly, have fun!
We adhere to the sister city structure, which originated as a people-to-people effort started by President Eisenhower after World War II. These are long-term, officially sanctioned agreements between two cities that promote collaboration in fields such as education, business, healthcare, government, and the arts.
Sister city initiatives are uncommon in that they bring together local governments, corporations, and regular individuals, allowing for a wide range of collaborative efforts.
What are our core values?
As a sister city, Clonmel is proud to embrace ideals that reflect our commitment to international friendship and civic involvement.
- Cultural Exchange – We believe in learning from one another’s cultures, customs, and stories.
- Mutual Respect – Every voice and tradition counts. We listen, respect, and celebrate our diversity.
- Community Connection – Developing relationships at the local level allows us to develop stronger worldwide.
- Shared Growth – We all benefit from collaboration in education, the arts, business, and governance.
- Friendship and Fun – Our relationship revolves around laughter, celebration, and togetherness.
Where is Clonmel?
Clonmel is a lively town in County Tipperary, located in the southern region of Ireland. It sits
beside the picturesque River Suir and near the Comeragh Mountains, offering both natural
beauty and a rich cultural atmosphere. Thanks to its proximity to major Irish cities like Cork,
Waterford, and Limerick, Clonmel offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and urban
convenience.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonmel
-Twinnings-
Twinning is a partnership between two towns or cities in different nations that aims to cultivate
friendship and cultural, educational, and communal relations.
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