Marching to our own rythmn 

We fulfilled a long-standing invitation to visit and perform in Costa Masnaga, another of Clonmel’s twin towns in 2013 and a return visit in 2017. This beautiful hillside town, situated in Northern Italy, about 35 kms north of Milan and close to Lake Como has a significant connection with our town as it is the birthplace of Charles Bianconi.  He lived in Clonmel for a period and created the first public transport system in Ireland with his horse-drawn carriages. Bianconi also was mayor of Clonmel in 1846.

We were royally treated by our hosts who had arranged a series of concerts for us in some beautiful places. One such memorable location was by the lake in Lecco with the foothills of the Alps in the background. There were many others, but the parade and concert with the local St. Cecilia band in Costa Masnaga was a highlight. We also performed at Sunday Mass at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, where the parish priest showed us the baptismal records of Charles Bianconi.

Between performances there was ample time to see some of the well-known places in the area. We visited the city of Milan and had time to visit the magnificent cathedral. A visit to Monza with its world-famous car racing track was included and we were even privileged to drive around the course in our coaches. Our boys and girls were thrilled with their visit to Gardaland and the water park “Ondaland at Vicolunga”. No visit would be complete without seeing the beautiful Lake Como and a special boat trip was arranged for us with a stop off at Bellagio.

Our visits were most memorable and we’re sincerely grateful to the Clonmel Twinning Committee for their assistance. We would also like to express our thanks to our hosts particularly Gian Paolo Rossini and Rino d’ Amico who accompanied us during our tour. We are indebted also to Mayor Umberto Bonacina for his welcome on our first visit and to Mayor Sabina Panzeri who was in office on our return trip.