On the 19th & 20th March, TADA Rural Support Network, in partnership with the Craigavon International Linkages Association, successfully facilitated a community exchange visit to Ballina, County Mayo. This initiative provided a valuable opportunity for community groups from Northern Ireland to connect with their counterparts in Ballina, fostering the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas and experiences in community development.
We would like to give a special thank you to Matt Farrell for his exceptional hospitality and coordination throughout the visit. His efforts in connecting us with the Ballina Municipal Council and Ballina Men’s Shed played a crucial role in ensuring a productive and engaging experience for all involved. Additionally, we are grateful for his organisation of an insightful tour at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants.
The visit received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all attendees, highlighting the importance of cross-community exchanges in strengthening local initiatives and building lasting partnerships. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Department of Foreign Affairs and The Rank Foundation for their generous funding and support, making this programme possible.
This international linkages programme has proven to be more than just a visit—it has been an enriching opportunity to build bridges, inspire growth and create meaningful collaborations that will benefit communities on both sides of the border. We look forward to future initiatives that continue to unite and empower local groups through shared learning and cooperation.
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