Argentine Navy sails in to Ireland to honor its founder

Posted By: November 04, 2019


Irish News. Belfast. Monday, November 4, 2019
MEMBERS of the Argentine navy sailed in to Ireland at the weekend to honor their founder, who hailed from a town in Co Mayo.

Around 200 officers from the South American country took part in a parade in Foxford yesterday to commemorate their first admiral, William Brown.

Their tall ship, the Libertad, docked in Dublin on Friday and has been open to members of the public.

The Argentinian officers are in Ireland for a four-day visit, marking a long-standing link between the two countries.

Born in Foxford in 1777, Admiral Brown is known as the ‘Father of the Argentinian Navy’ and was instrumental in securing the country’s independence.

He led the fledgling Argentine Navy into battle with both Brazil and Spain and many streets, place names and football clubs are named after him in his adoptive country.

The parade was attended by the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland Laura Bernal along with naval personnel from the LÉ Samuel Beckett, an offshore patrol vessel of the Irish Naval Service.

The commemoration was led by Foxford Brass and Reed Band, accompanied by members of the ARA Libertad band.
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