Cavan and Kürnach renew friendship pact

County Cavan and the German municipality of Kürnach have renewed their long-standing friendship pact, reaffirming a relationship rooted in over 1,300 years of shared history.

The bond between Cavan and Kürnach, along with nearby Würzburg, dates back to the 7th century, when Saint Kilian, a native of Mullagh, County Cavan, journeyed to the Franconia region of Germany. There, he spread Christianity before being martyred in 689. His legacy continues to be honoured in the region to this day.

In 2024, a historic milestone in this friendship occurred when the relics of Saint Kilian and his companions, Saints Totnan and Kolonat, returned to Cavan for the first time. The week-long celebration highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the two regions and demonstrated the enduring value of collaboration.

Welcoming the 44-strong German delegation, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Paul Feeley expressed pride in the renewed pact, stating it “ensures that this friendship will endure and grow for many years to come.”

Bürgermeister René Wohlfart of Kürnach echoed this sentiment, saying it felt like “coming home”, and stressed the importance of officially reaffirming this special relationship.

The renewed pact was signed on Thursday, 4th September, in the Council Chamber at Cavan Courthouse.

During their visit, the German delegation explored local heritage sites including St Kilian’s Heritage Centre and the newly renovated WWI Trench Experience at Cavan County Museum, further deepening their appreciation of Cavan’s rich history and ongoing cultural connections.