This weeekend, Skibbereen branch of Comhaltas will be visited by a group of forty members of St Louis Irish Arts Comhaltas from Missouri, USA. The connection between the two branches came about when visitors from St Louis visited the Skibbereen Seisiun show and went home to America bringing word of the strength of the local branch and of the great traditional music scene in Skibbereen with them. In June 2007, the two branches were officially twinned at a ceremony in the West Cork Hotel. In the intervening years a number of visits have been made by Skibbereen members to St Louis, but this is the first occasion since 2007 that the St Louis group has made a visit to Skibbereen, coinciding with the third anniversary of the twinning of both branches. This innovative partnership agreement has been recognised at the first international twinning of Comhaltas branches. The St Louis group will arrive in Skibbereen on Thursday to the West Cork Hotel where they are being hosted courtesy of Skibbereen Comhaltas. That evening the membership of Skibbereen branch will join with the St Louis group for dinner and a session. On Friday, the group will visit Sherkin Island and Baltimore for the day. The West Cork Hotel will be focus of attention on Friday night as Skibbereen Seisiun group present their final Irish night of the summer season. The St Louis group will perform both as guest artistes and with the Skibbereen musicians on the night. The St Louis group are renowned in North America for their prowess in both music and step dancing, and it promises to be a spectacular night of musical entertainment. Tickets are €10 for adults and €3 for children and doors will open at 8pm, and all are welcome. On Saturday, the group conclude their visit to Skibbereen with a visit to the Heritage Centre before departing for the for the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan, hopefully leaving with many happy memories and with lots of new friends.