A large group of cyclists from Waterford’s twin city of St. Herblain, near Nantes in France, paid a visit to Waterford recently.
They came via Cherbourg ferry to Rosslare and based themselves in Waterford City.
Martial Catherine led the group and we met them on arrival day two weeks ago in Passage East as they came over on the ferry.
They made trips to Dunmore East, Tramore, Kilkenny and the Greenway to Dungarvan, despite some early rain; and a day trip to Dublin on one of the wet days during the Easter holiday.
The group of 18 also went to visit Mount Congreve Gardens and paid a courtesy visit to City Hall and met Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy.
They had an Irish night in the Saratoga on their schedule and also teamed up with the local Biscuit Club members in their Dunmore trip.
A Waterford schools group, from Gael Scoil, Ballygunner, paid a visit to St. Herblain during the Easter holidays.
DÉISE WELCOME FOR FRENCH GUESTS
After many months of planning our French guests arrived in Rosslare at midday on Saturday and cycled to the ferry in Passage East where they were welcomed by members of Twinning and the cycling club.
Our first spin on a beautiful Sunday morning was to Dunmore East, with a brief stop for photos and then on to Tramore for coffee. Monday, we headed to Dungarvan along the Copper Coast, with lunch in Dungarvan and returned on the Greenway.
There was a Mayoral Reception on Tuesday morning where they were officially welcomed to the city by the mayor, which they appreciated very much. That afternoon we headed to Hook Head across the ferry and out the headland.
The group went to Dublin on Wednesday, then it was back on the road again on Thursday, when the group went to Mahon Falls and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
The highlight of the week for a “soiree musicale” in the Saratoga Bar on Thursday night with a band of Biscuit members, singing Irish and French songs. The French visitors joined in and it was a most enjoyable night.
The weather wasn’t great on Friday and our guests were in search of a calm day, so a guided tour of Mount Congreve was just perfect.
Our French friends had planned to cycle back to Rosslare of Saturday morning, but as the weather was poor, the Biscuit Club members drove them there.
Overall, it was an outstanding success and our French guests were most appreciative of the hospitality they received and have invited the Biscuit Club to Saint Herblain next year.
This offer will be taken up and the week commencing 20 April, 2026 is already pencilled into the calendar.
Thanks to Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Twinning, headed by Vincent Walsh and the Biscuit Club Members, who all combined to make it great success and something the city can be proud of.
Kieran Walsh
