Pictured back in 2012 at Colaiste an Chraoibhin, Fermoy, Loic Le Meur in the company of Sean Sherlock.

Loic Le Meur, who has been a frequent visitor to Fermoy in his capacity as mayor of Fermoy’s twin town Ploemeur, is to be officially admitted into the Légion d’Honneur.

This decoration, which was instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte, is conferred by the French Republic on citizens whether in the military or civil domain, who are deemed to have rendered exceptional service to the French nation.

Mr Le Meur served three terms – 19 years – as mayor of Ploemeur and has played an active part in the political life of his country for almost forty years. An enthusiastic supporter of the twinning movement, he has an enduring interest in Ireland and a great love of Irish culture, particularly of its traditional music and dance.

His daughter Caroline and son Pierre Luc, also spent some time on work placement in Fermoy during their student years. We congratulate him on receiving this worthy honour.