245th anniversary of Admiral William Brown birth to be celebrated in Foxford - Visit North Mayo

Admiral William Brown will be celebrated in Foxford. The strong links between one Mayo town and the Argentinian Navy are set to be celebrated this weekend. The town of Foxford in North Mayo is preparing to welcome the crew of the Argentine ship ARA Libertad to the town on Saturday, July 30. The visit has been organised to mark the 245th anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine Navy.

Spotted in Killala Bay yesterday, Sunday, 24th July the ARA Libertad arrives in Dublin on July 29 ahead of the ceremonies in Mayo at the weekend. The Libertad is one of the largest sailing ships in the world and is 103 metres long. It last visited Mayo back in 1998, when it sailed into Killala Bay.

Ara Libertad
Fragata A.R.A Libertad – photo: Irlanda en Argentinia

This weekends Admiral William Brown event

The Argentinian Ambassador Moira Wilkinson, the captain of ehe Libertad, Carlos Schavinsky, and crew will be welcomed to Foxford on Saturday. The welcoming committee will include representatives from Mayo County Council, the Admiral Brown Society and the people of Foxford.

Argentinian Ambassador Moira Wilkinson and the community of Foxford will honour two people linked through their life journeys to Foxford. They will honour Admiral William Brown, founder of Argentine Navy. Admiral William Brown was born in Foxford on June 22, 1777. They will also honour former Argentine Ambassador Laura Bernal, who is buried locally in Craggagh Cemetery. The late JJ O Hara, Foxford, who was a driving force at forging links between Ireland and Argentina, will also be fondly remembered at the ceremonies.

Past connections and events

The Argentinian Navy have visited Foxford many time in the past. Locals have fond memories of such visits. On the centenary of Brown’s death in 1957, the Argentine nation donated a bronze bust of Admiral William Brown to the people of Foxford. The Argentinian ambassador continues the tradition of celebrating and commemorating the links between Ireland and Argentina. 

Full itinerary and event schedule for Saturday

This will be yet another emotional and memorable day for the people of Foxford and Argentina. View drone footage of the 2019 wreath laying ceremony in Foxford with the Argentine Navy for Admiral William Brown.

For further details please visit the Admiral William Brown Twitter page

For details of other things to do whilst in the area, check out our guide to the top 10 things to do in Foxford.

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