East meets west as Kells celebrates Chinese New Year

East will meet west in Kells tomorrow (Thursday 19th January) as the town will host the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland to honour the Chinese New Year and strengthen ties between Yunan province and the town that is home to many of the province's trees. Town cathaoirleach Cllr Brian Collins said it was a "great opportunity" for the town to explore links. "Kells has a large number of trees from the Yunan province in China that were planted for the Headfort family by George Forrest. These Yunanese trees are currently on the grounds of the golf club and Headfort House," said Cllr Collins as he prepares to host Ambassador Mr Luo Linquan and his wife, Qiao Li. The ambassador and his party will also meet with Kells Tourism Forum, take a trip to Headfort House and Headfort Golf Club and attend a civic reception in Kells before going to the People's Park at Loyd to turn on the red floodlighting at the tower to mark the Chinese New Year.