The admiral from Mayo who was a hero in Argentina

He may not be a household name in the west, but an admiral from Mayo is still a hero down south in Argentina

He may not be a household name in the west, but an admiral from Mayo is still a hero down south in Argentina. His contribution to that country's maritime history was recalled at a function in the Heraldic Museum of the National Library in Dublin last week.

The function, hosted by the Argentine ambassador, Mr Victor Beauge, was a vin d'honneur for the Mayo man's biographer, Dr John de Courcy Ireland.

It was attended by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms Sile de Valera.

It is four years since the distinguished maritime historian published his book on the life of "Almirante" William Brown from Foxford.

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As Mr Beauge described it, Dr de Courcy's work represents "a superbly documented account of important events that took place in Argentina since the early 19th century, up to Brown's death in 1857".

The Mayoman is regarded as father of the Argentine navy, and this was recognised locally last year when the Argentinian tall ship, Libertad, sailed into Killala Bay.

Only a few copies of the biography now remain, and so the ambassador decided to buy them up and present them to institutions, libraries and individuals. Signed copies were presented at last week's function.

Among those invited were Commodore John Kavanagh, Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service, Mr Padraic MacKernan, secretary-general of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and trustees of the National Library. Mr Beauge presented a special memento to the guest of honour, Dr de Courcy Ireland.