Savannah Standard

In a significant development, the City of Savannah has entered into a Friendship Agreement with Limerick City, Ireland. This agreement marks a new chapter in collaboration and cultural exchange between the two cities.

The signing ceremony took place at the Limerick City and County Council chambers in Dooradoyle. The event was attended by Mayor Van R. Johnson II of Savannah and Mayor John Moran of Limerick, along with other notable officials such as Príomh Comhairleoir Cllr Dan McSweeney and Director General Dr. Pat Daly.

Representing Savannah were key figures including City Manager Joseph A. Melder, President of the Savannah Economic Development Authority Trip Tollison, and President and CEO of Visit Savannah Joe Marinelli.

The agreement is designed to foster mutual understanding, promote tourism, and encourage economic development through shared initiatives. Both cities are similar in population size and geographical features, being located on estuaries leading to the ocean.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II remarked on the historical ties: "We are literally sister cities. We have folks in Savannah named Hogan, Barry, and McCarthy who can draw their direct lineage here in Limerick."

Mayor John Moran discussed potential areas for collaboration: "I spent an hour or so with Mayor Johnson in my office... It could mean student exchanges backwards and forwards... actual policy exchanges that deal with the same issues of housing."

During their two-day visit, the delegation participated in an economic roundtable discussion involving stakeholders from the Mid-West region including IDA, Limerick Chamber, Enterprise Ireland, and local educational institutions. These discussions aimed at exploring economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships.

Savannah's rich Irish heritage is evident as one in four residents claims Irish ancestry. This agreement honors these connections while paving the way for future collaborations benefiting both communities.