O’ More College was established in the early 70’s by Mrs. Elizabeth O More who invited students to come and study Art and Design in her family home. She and her husband named her house Abbeyleix Mansion after their family connection with Co. Laois.

The exchange trip included the participation by the two students on one of the O’ More College summer courses and the two tutors were invited to give lectures on the same course.

Outside of class time the Williamson County twinning committee had arranged many meetings and events for the visiting exchange group including a meeting with the Town Council, Williamson County exchange committee, and visits to Jack Daniels Distillery, Arrington Wine estate (the only wine estate in the South), a night out at the Grand Ole Oprey in Nashville, a trip to a baseball game, and a trip to the Rodeo. All in all, the Abbeyleix group was given a truly authentic Southern experience.

Overall a very enjoyable experience was had by all and strong bonds between the colleges were formed with many plans made for future links between O More College and Abbeyleix Further Education Centre.

Co Laois VEC would like to thank Ms. Margaret Morrin for all her hard work on organizing the trip and also to thank the following sponsors without whose financial support the trip would not have been possible: Laois County Council, Canteen (Abbeyleix Further Education Centre), Student Committee (Abbeyleix Further Education Centre), Abbeyleix Womens Development Group, AIB Abbeyleix, AllBooks and News, Alf Harvey (Photoshoot) Chemtec, New Approach Consultancy, Eamon Siney Bus Hire, The Office Centre, Emo Oil, Dunkeen Oil, and Clelands.