Franklin City Delegation Visit

Delegation from Franklin City, Tennessee Visits Monaghan to Strengthen International Ties and Explore Opportunities

On July 2, 2025, a distinguished delegation from Franklin City, Tennessee, USA, visited County Monaghan as part of a wider trip to Ireland. The visit followed their time in County Laois, with whom Franklin City maintains an active Sister Cities partnership. With a strong desire to deepen ties established earlier this year when a Monaghan delegation visited Tennessee the U.S. visitors made a special trip to Monaghan to continue building meaningful international connections.

The delegation was led by Mayor Ken Moore of Franklin and city Administrator Eric Stuckey, accompanied by Mr. Stuckey’s wife, Lisa, and Kim Cannon, President of Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County, who was joined by her husband Rich Cannon.

In Monaghan, the visitors were warmly welcomed by Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon, along with Councillors Paul Gibbons, Aidan Campbell, Alan Johnston, and Seán Conlon. They were also greeted by Chief Executive Robert Burns, Director of Services Cathal Flynn, and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue, focusing on shared priorities and exploring opportunities for economic cooperation, tourism development, and cultural exchange.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation toured the Monaghan County Museum, followed by a visit to the iconic Castle Leslie Estate experiencing firsthand the county’s rich heritage, hospitality, and tourism potential.

“This was a very welcome visit from our friends in Tennessee,” said Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon. “It was a positive and engaging meeting that highlighted the value of international connections. Visits like these are a testament to the importance of building global relationships that can lead to future partnerships.”

“We were delighted to welcome our colleagues from Franklin City to Monaghan,” said Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council. “Engagements like this allow us to share ideas, strengthen cultural bonds, and explore opportunities for collaboration that benefit both our communities.

The visit was widely regarded as a successful and mutually beneficial exchange, laying the groundwork for continued dialogue and collaboration between the two regions. Both delegations expressed a shared commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering lasting connections in the years ahead.

 

 

photo - L- R Cathaoirleach PJ O’ Hanlon, Cllr Aidan Campbell, Mr Eric Stuckey, City Administrator, Mayor Ken Moore, Franklin City, Cllr Alan Johnson, Cllr Sean Conlon, Robert Burns, CE Monaghan County Council, Cllr Paul Gibbonsphoto - Mayor Ken Moore presenting a gift to Cathaoirleach PJ O’ Hanlon Photo - L-R BACK Cathal Flynn, Rich Cannon, Liam Bradley, Cllr Aidan Campbell, Cllr Paul Gibbons
L-R Front Row – Cllr Alan Johnston, Yvonne McGoldrick, Kim Cannon, Pamela Kerr, Cathaoirleach PJ O’ Hanlon, Mayor Ken Moore, Robert Burns, Eric Stuckey, Lisa Stuckey And Cllr Sean Conlon.