To mark the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, on 1 July Leitrim County Council held a special flag-raising ceremony at Áras an Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon, celebrating Leitrim’s pairing with Cyprus for the duration of the Presidency.

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Mary Bohan, alongside Deputy Chief Executive Mary Quinn, raised the European Union, Irish and Cyprus flags, which will fly outside Áras an Chontae throughout Ireland’s Presidency from July to December 2026.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the Cyprus–Leitrim Pairing, an initiative designed to strengthen connections between communities in Leitrim and Cyprus, celebrate shared European values, and promote greater understanding of the European Union at local level.

Celebrating Connections Across Europe

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Bohan said:

"As Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are delighted that Leitrim has been paired with Cyprus as part of this important national initiative. The pairing provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared European identity, build lasting connections, and engage communities in meaningful conversations about Europe and its impact on our daily lives. I look forward to welcoming the Cypriot and Irish Ambassadors to Leitrim later this year and to seeing people across the county participate in the exciting programme of events being planned."

Deputy Chief Executive Mary Quinn added:

"The Cyprus–Leitrim pairing will create opportunities for cultural exchange, education, community engagement and international cooperation. Through our schools, libraries, arts organisations, community groups and local stakeholders, we hope to bring Europe closer to our citizens while showcasing Leitrim’s commitment to collaboration and European engagement."

Programme of Events Across Leitrim

Throughout the six-month Presidency, Leitrim County Council will coordinate a programme of events across libraries, schools, arts centres and community venues inspired by the Cyprus–Leitrim pairing.

The programme will encourage cultural exchange, learning and European engagement through book clubs, art projects, exhibitions, youth activities and community events, providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the cultures, histories and shared values of both Leitrim and Cyprus.

Ambassadorial Visit Planned for Autumn

A key highlight of the programme will take place in autumn 2026, when Leitrim will welcome H.E. Louis Telemachou, Ambassador of Cyprus to Ireland, and H.E. Sarah Hamilton, Ambassador of Ireland to Cyprus, for a series of civic, community and cultural engagements celebrating connections between Leitrim, Cyprus and the European Union.

Strengthening European Engagement

The Cyprus–Leitrim pairing forms part of a national initiative accompanying Ireland’s EU Presidency and aims to foster meaningful people-to-people connections while encouraging greater awareness of European issues and opportunities.

The programme is supported through the Communicating Europe Initiative, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which promotes awareness and understanding of the European Union and encourages citizen engagement at local level.

Further details of events and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.