Phoenix Sister Cities is welcoming delegates from Ennis, Ireland to celebrate 20 years of friendship with its Irish Sister City during the week of Oct. 20 through Oct. 27.

The relationship began in July 1988 at the suggestion of community members and former City Councilman Howard Adams. The Phoenix~Ennis Sister City relationship is the driving force behind many community programs including the development of the Phoenix Irish Cultural Center, which was dedicated in 2001.

“Throughout the 20-year relationship, civic and community leaders from Ennis and Phoenix have visited each other on exchanges and have developed strong ties and personal friendships, which have proven mutually beneficial for both communities,” said Councilman Claude Mattox, council liaison to the Ennis, Ireland committee.

The Ennis Committee supports the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, the Irish Castle Banquet, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire, the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park and other Irish cultural events. The committee also actively promotes business opportunities between the two cities.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the twinning as sister cities between Phoenix and Ennis, we can celebrate old friendships and also enable a new generation to experience the benefits of cross-cultural exchanges between our two fine cities,” said Barbara McCoy-Burke, Ennis committee chair. Exchanges between residents and local businesses in each community provide an opportunity for common citizens to further global harmony and cooperation.”

The city of Ennis, located on Ireland’s West Coast in County Clare, is the largest city in its region and is known as the Information Age Town of Ireland. Ennis’ personal computer and Internet use is about twice Ireland’s national average, making it one of the most technologically advanced cities in Europe.

Phoenix’s Irish Cultural Center is modeled after a traditional Irish cottage with a courtyard and has a large banquet room for special events. The center is located in Margaret T. Hance Park, 1106 N. Central Ave., across from Burton Barr Central Library in downtown Phoenix. The Irish Cultural Center is more than an Irish museum and meeting spot for Irish organizations. It also serves as an educational link for schools, students and teachers; an international business resource center; and a cultural link where information on Irish culture, history, the arts and genealogy can be studied.

For more information about Phoenix Sister Cities programs, visit phoenixsistercities.org or call 602-534-3751.