In the eye of the storm: Kilkenny Mayor flies into ‘Tornado Alley’

By COLIN BARTLEY

THE Mayor of Kilkenny may have avoided a political storm at home, but it appears he is flying straight into a tornado on his trip to the USA.

Martin Brett, our elected Mayor, is visiting Kilkenny, Minesota, a twin town of the Marble City, in the USA this week.

The American Kilkenny was fortunate not to be wiped off the map this week. Late last night warnings were issued to our US namesake as it found itself directly in the path of a devastating tornado. But the town breathed a collective sigh of relief after the tornado missed and it was lef unscathed.

However, frequent thunderstorms are expected throughout the duration of Mayor Brett’s visit.

Kilkenny, Minnesota is located in what is known as ‘Tornado Alley’. Each year about 30 tornados hit the state.

The tiny town has a population of less than 150 people and is located less than 50km south of Minneapolis. It is named after Kilkenny City and is the only other town on the planet that bears the name.

Mayor Brett’s flights to Minnesota are being paid for by Kilkenny County Council. There was some criticism voiced online and in local media this week about who was funding the trip, but it all amounted to a storm in a teacup.

A spokesperson for Kilkenny County Council confirmed the Mayor’s trip to our twin town is costing taxpayers less than €1,000. There are also no accomodation costs, as Mayor Brett is being hosted by the people of the town for the duration of his stay.

Kilkenny councillor Andrew McGuinness is also traveling to Minnesota for the trip, but he is paying for the visit out of his own pocket, as he has done for the previous two years.