Kildare County Council Celebrates Twinning Charter Signing between Rathangan and Freehold, New Jersey
30th June 2025: Kildare County Council is pleased to announce the signing of the Twinning Charter between Rathangan, Co Kildare and Freehold, New Jersey. The event, organised by the Rathangan Freehold Twinning Association, took place on Friday 27 June 2025, in Rathangan, Co Kildare.
The charter was signed by Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Councillor Peggy O’Dwyer and Mayor of Freehold, New Jersey, Kevin A. Kane. This marks the beginning of a meaningful and long-lasting partnership between the two communities.
The charter formalises the commitment of both communities to promote, develop and strengthen a bond of friendship through communication and exchange, particularly among the youth and adult organisations in education, the arts, sport, enterprise, tourism and the equine industry.
The Mayor of Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Councillor Peggy O’Dwyer said:“This is a proud day for Rathangan as the signing of the charter not only symbolises the beginning of a new friendship but the start of exploring new opportunities to connect Rathangan and Freehold across borders and cultures”.
Marian Higgins, Director of Services, Kildare County Council said she “was looking forward to seeing the development of the twinning between Rathangan and Freehold and the possibilities for the future which will strengthen Rathangan as a tourist destination for Springsteen fans and the economic benefits for the town”.
Mark Stafford, Chairperson of the Rathangan Freehold Twinning Association said; “this is a special day for Rathangan, the culmination of a lot of hard work on behalf of the committee. We are very grateful for the support from a number of community groups in Rathangan, the local businesses who sponsor us and especially Kildare County Council. We look forward to welcoming Mayor Kane back to Rathangan and forging the continued social, cultural and economic links we have together”.
