Limerick City and County Council has announced the signing of a Friendship Agreement with the city of Savannah, Georgia and the USA
The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during a special meeting of the Limerick City and County Council in the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle. Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, Príomh Comhairleoir Cllr Dan McSweeney, and Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, welcomed the Savannah delegation led by Mayor Van R. Johnson II.
“Savannah’s rich past and dynamic present make it a perfect partner”
Mayor Moran spoke of the importance of this partnership, stating: “Savannah’s rich past and dynamic present make it a perfect partner for Limerick as we look to the future together. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that a place is not just made of buildings and roads—it is made of people and communities. It is the friendships we form, the ideas we exchange, and the common goals we pursue that make initiatives like friendship agreements successful.”
Mayor Johnson, making his first visit to Limerick, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s been great so far; Limerick is a beautiful city, and everyone is so nice and kind. I’m looking forward to making this the first of many visits and continuing to host folks from Limerick in Savannah.”
He also noted the long history that stands between the two cities, “This friendship agreement has been in the making for quite some time. We have folks from Limerick that make Savannah the great city that it is. This is a formalization of this historic partnership, to not only recognize each other formally but to work together in things that matter to both of our cities.”
A commitment to build international relationships
Príomh Comhairleoir Cllr Dan McSweeney also welcomed the ties, “The signing of this Friendship Agreement reflects our commitment to building international relationships and enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of our city and county.”
Dr Pat Daly, Director General of LCCC, focused on the importance of the agreement and how it can benefit both cities moving forward: “This declaration is a testament to the strong ties that already exist between Limerick and Savannah. By working together, we can achieve great things and create lasting benefits for our communities. We are excited about the possibilities this friendship will bring.”
A partner city with rich Irish heritage
Savannah has a rich Irish heritage dating back to the mid-18th century, with many Irish immigrants going there in the 1840s. Today, one in four Savannahians claim Irish ancestry. The Limerick diaspora in Savannah remains highly engaged with Limerick officials, particularly during Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the second largest after New York City.
As part of the three-day engagement, the Savannah delegation participated in key discussions and site visits, including a presentation on the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, a tour of Opera Square in Limerick, and roundtable discussions on tourism and economic development.
From now on economic partnerships and cultural exchanges
The agreement, signed by Mayor John Moran of Limerick and Mayor Van R. Johnson II of Savannah, promises to work together to benefit both cities. Both parties have pledged to develop relationships that promote economic partnerships and cultural exchanges.
The proclamation reads: “Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that Limerick, Ireland, and Savannah, Georgia, United States of America, do hereby acknowledge and affirm a Friendship Agreement between the two counties, executed this 18th day of February 2025.”
