Tucson-Roscommon Sister Cities is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI) and is part of a global network of more than 2,400 partnerships in 130 plus countries. SCI is a citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between the U.S.and communities abroad.  

Started in 1956 after a White House summit where U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for people-to-people exchanges, sister city partnerships are tailored to local interests and increase global cooperation at the grassroots level.  SCI promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

The foundation of the SCI is to strengthen global understanding through inter-community exchanges highlighting the common areas of arts, culture, history and heritage. 

The Tucson-Roscommon Sister Cities (TRSC) was founded in 1993 and was fashioned based on the rich, interconnected history between Tucson and Roscommon, Ireland, which dates back to the founding of Tucson in 1775 by Roscommon native, Hugo O’Conor. Its mission is aimed at creating a dynamic partnership between the communities of Tucson and Roscommon to promote cultural understanding, community involvement, and economic development. This in turn provides opportunities for individual citizens to experience a wide range of cultural activities both within their own communities and through international exchange.

To date, TRSC has launched an energetic campaign. Among the major events: the Annual Mayors’ Luncheon and participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Festival each March. The Mayors’ Luncheon is the corner stone event for the spring calendar. Discussion is underway that this event be expanded beyond the luncheon to encompass presentations by visitors from Roscommon that might include meetings with local business leaders and low- or no-cost public forums that would allow members of the Tucson community to interact with visitors in a town hall type of setting. Additional activities might include tours of historic locations and participation in other cultural activities for visiting dignitaries.

Other past events included the hosting by Tucson-Roscommon Sister Cities of Etain O'Carroll ’s (Roscommon County 2001 artist-in-residence) photography exhibit. Unsung Heroes was the title and theme of O’Carroll ’s exhibit. Her beautifully composed photographs visually narrated the everyday heroism of ordinary men and women.

In 2007, Tucson Roscommon hosted a visit by Irish Minister Ó Cuív to Tucson .  It was the first official visit to Arizona by a Minister of the Government of Ireland. During his visit, Minister O Cuiv met the Mayor of Tucson, Irish and local community leaders and representatives of the Global Advantage Network from the University of Arizona .

 “El Capitán Colorado” (The Royal O’Conor), a play written and produced in Ireland by Irish playwright Caroilin Callery came to Tucson in 2008 with a cast of Irish actors for performances at several venues. 

Patrick Lavin Ó March 17, 2009

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