By Paul McElwee

THE chairman of the Red Hugh O’Donnell Association has hailed news that the Irish chieftain’s birthplace of Lifford has now officially been twinned with the Spanish town of Simancas where he is laid to rest.

Eddie Crawford was speaking after the Mayor of Simancas recently officially signed documents to rubber-stamp the agreement. This follows identical documents having been signed off by the previous Mayor of Donegal Martin Harley during his final days in the post last year. Mr Harley is also a member of the Association.

The twinning is the culmination of a three-year campaign led by the Red Hugh O’Donnell Association and the Hispano-Irish Association in Simancas, in a bid to highlight the deep historical and cultural connections between the two towns

Mr Crawford said, “This is absolutely fantastic news and another major step forward in promoting the already close relationship we have with the people of Spain. It is a fitting tribute to Red Hugh’s enduring legacy and a foundation for even stronger cultural and economic cooperation between our communities.

“We would hope that our hard working committee members will now work closely with both councils to bring an already close connection with Spain even closer.”

A key figure in Irish resistance against English rule during the Nine Years’ War in the late 16th century, O’Donnell died in Simancas, Valladolid, in 1602 while seeking aid from the Spanish monarchy.

His death and burial in Spain are enduring symbols of the long-standing historical bond between the two nations.

As a next step, both councils will collaborate on a shared framework focusing on Tourism, Cultural Services, Economic Development, and Corporate Affairs, with the aim of creating meaningful opportunities for both towns.

The Red Hugh O’Donnell
Association thanked Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District Councillors, the Donegal County Council and their Chief Executive Officer Mr John McLaughlin for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing with that relationship into the future.