Joergen Madsen, one of the team leaders with the party of 60 from Haderslav, said that the trip was “a great experience and fun” as always. “Our group wanted to make special contact with another group and Kevin and Dolores O’Loughlin responded over 20 years ago. People have been coming from Denmark since then and we have seen a lot of Ireland. Our two countries like singing and music and performance and everyone loves the visits.”

He added that the young people got the genuine Irish experience staying with host families in Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry and had enjoyed events such as a special camogie match, social evenings and tours of the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty and Ailwee Caves. Even the cold and showery conditions had not put a dampener on the trip.

“The weather has not been the best but we had some very good days. They still liked it very much and we will look forward to the Irish visit next year or the year after. We have a big festival every four years and our Irish visitors like this very much,” he said.

Over 45 members of the Sixmilebridge variety group spent nine days in Denmark last year. The exchange has been going on since 1988 and according to Mr O’Loughlin, a formal twinning arrangement could be on the cards for the 21st anniversary next year. “Hundreds from the village have participated over the years and they all learned about new customs and had the challenge of adapting. People from the first visit are still friends today. It’s a big voluntary effort locally and Dolores and the committee do a lot of work to organise it.”