VERBIER - SWITZERLAND 
 24/4/2024 
 
 A delegation from Kenmare visited Verbier, Kenmare’s cultural partner in Switzerland, from March 17th-20th.2002. Our friends in Verbier had a very full programme planned for the visit. On Sunday March 17th we met with a number of teachers from their local school. A list of 26 Kenmare school children was given to them with a view to setting up email pals. The schools are the first link in the development of our towns relationship and we look forward to its progression. Monday was spent exploring the areas mountains with lunch in an mountain restaurant displaying memorabilia from Switzerland’s most prized skier. The afternoon was spent trying to get to the bottom of the mountain without falling. Alex Baradi and Aileen D’Arcy were the only successful ones. After recovering Dinner was hosted by Mrs. E Hendrickson and attended by members of the Friends of Verbier association. A wonderful evening was had by all with a memorable display of Irish dance and song by Donald Lynch before retiring to The Farm until the early hours.

On Tuesday morning we visited their wonderful local museum which houses artifacts dating from 300BC. This is a most impressive facility and well worth a visit if you are in the area. A skidoo trip brought us to a beautiful alpine lodge for lunch. The afternoon was spent visiting a local cheese maker. The cheese is a local delicacy and the visit was a wonderful experience. Tuesday evening was a formal dinner attended by the President of the area, the Irish Ambassador to Switzerland, local political and business people together with members of the Friends of Verbier. An offical welcome was extended by the President who spoke about the many advantages that our relationship provided. John Brennan in response ensured the links would be strengthened and thanked the President for the warmth, hospitality and friendship extended for the visit.

The following area areas and projects currently being planned,

Au-pairs

The Au-Pair postions have been filled. Five local girls travel to Verbier in August for 1 year. We wish them well and no doubt will be excellent ambassadors. Good luck girls.

Student Visits

JULY 2002 -Six students from Verbier arrived 6th July. They stayed in the Kenmare Bay Hotel until Sun. and are now with various host families around town. They had a trip on the Seafari, pottery classes with Anne Garreth in Anam Crea. Music classes with the Healy sisters, dancing with Donald Lynch,John Riney and Breda Morgan. Golf Lessons with Peter Martius, Hurling Camp, english classes and other trips.

Two Swiss delegates from the Special Olympics visited Kenmare on Mon. eveing 15th July. The Park Hotel hosted a drinks reception for the delegates and Special Olympics Committee. The Verbier students along with local children played a number of Irish and Swiss tunes. Local dancers, Carmel O'Leary, Katie Harrington, Elaine and Maire Healy-Rae, Hazel Sheehan and Cora Farrell gave us a wonderful display of Irish dances.It was a very successful evening and gave the delegation an idea of the fantastic talent we have in Kenmare. Students from Pobal Scoil Inbhear Sceine have exchanged email addresses with students in Verbier to become pen-pals.

AUGUST 2002 -Five Past Pupils have gone to Verbier, through the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, for a one year period. A piece was recently printed in the School Newsletter and they all seem to be enjoying their stay there. Thanks to the special relationship Verbier has with Kenmare free english classes are being provided for the girls. Hope they enjoy the snow and skiing.

OCTOBER 2002 - Niamh Gaughran and Elaine Hendrickson, visitors from Verbier spent a weekend with us recently. John & Gwen Brennan entertained them in Packies on Fri. evening and Francis Brennan very generously gave accomodation in the Park Hotel.
Aileen and Fiona brought them to Philomena Begley in the Kenmare Bay on Sat. for a very enjoyable evening.
Donald brought them on a cultural tour of traditional entertainment in the town on Sun. night.
They departed Mon. morning, despite their altitude advantage, a little tired but highly entertained and armed with lots of information to share with future Verbier visitors.
We look forward to further visitors from Verbier and perhaps a visit there.
This relationship will benefit all the Community. Anyone requiring information please contact John Brennan, at 41200.

 
 
 
Kenmare Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, email :info@kenmare.com