Limerick City and County Council is delighted to announce the signing of a Friendship Agreement with the city of Savannah, Georgia, USA. This historic agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and cultural exchange.
The signing ceremony took place during a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council in the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle this Tuesday (18 February 2025).
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, Príomh Comhairleoir, Cllr Dan McSweeney and the Director General of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Dr Pat Daly welcomed a delegation from Savannah led by Mayor of the City of Savannah, Van R. Johnson II.
The declaration of friendship aims to foster mutual understanding, promote tourism, and encourage economic development through shared initiatives and projects.
Speaking at the signing of the Friendship Agreement, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:
“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.”
The delegation from Savannah, led by Mayor Johnson includes key figures from various sectors such as trade, transportation, city management, tourism, finance, and business development.
During a busy three-day schedule, engagements include a presentation on Ryder Cup 2027 at Adare Manor, a site visit to Opera Square in Limerick city and round table discussions on tourism and the economy involving key stakeholders in the region.
On his first ever visit to Limerick Mayor of the City of Savannah, Van Johnson commented:
“It’s been great so far, Limerick is a beautiful city, everyone is being so nice and so kind. I’m looking forward to making this the first of many visits and I’m looking forward to continuing to host folks from Limerick in Savannah.
“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 formalisation of this historic partnership, to not only recognise each other formally but to work together in things that matter to both of our cities.”
Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney welcomed the strengthened links with Savannah, saying:
"I was delighted to welcome Mayor Johnson and the delegation from Savannah to the Council Chamber today for this auspicious occasion. 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."
Director General of LCCC, Dr Pat Daly:
"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."
Savannah links to Limerick
Savannah boasts a rich Irish heritage, with roots tracing back to the mid-18th century. The 1840s saw a significant influx of Irish immigrants, drawn by a booming job market before and after the Famine.
Today, census data reveals that one in four Savannahians claim Irish ancestry. Savannah and Limerick share similarities, including comparable population sizes and locations on estuaries connecting to the ocean.
The Limerick diaspora in Savannah actively engages with Limerick officials, particularly surrounding Savannah's renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade, the second largest in the world after New York City.
The Friendship Agreement between Limerick and Savannah states:
Mayor John Moran, Mayor of Limerick, Ireland, and Mayor Van R. Johnson II, Mayor of Savannah, Georgia, United States of America, herewith sign this Friendship Agreement, so as to confirm and strengthen the established bonds of friendship between Limerick and Savannah, and to affirm a mutual aspiration to work together in unison for the benefit of both.
Both agree, on the basis of cooperation, equality, and mutual benefit, to continue to develop and cultivate relationships in order to promote and broaden their economic partnerships and cultural exchanges. Both will work together to examine issues of common interest and to look for areas of future cooperation.
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.
The Savannah Delegation includes:
- Van R. Johnson II, Mayor of the City of Savannah, Georgia, USA
- Trip Tollison, President and CEO, World Trade Center Savannah
- Marty Hogan, CEO, US Intermodal Corporation, WTC Savannah Board of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer
- Jay Melder, City Manager of City of Savannah
- Marty Johnston, Deputy Assistant to Mayor Johnson
- Ryan Sewell, Partner | Board Member, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
- Joe Marinelli, President and CEO, Visit Savannah
- Mike Lynch, Senior Vice President, Bank of America, North America
Limerick City and County Council is delighted to announce the signing of a Friendship Agreement with the city of Savannah, Georgia, USA. This historic agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and cultural exchange.
The signing ceremony took place during a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council in the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle on Tuesday 18 February 2025.
Photos: Keith Wiseman
