An epic transatlantic flight 72 years ago which ended when the Lithuanian pilot crashlanded his tiny aircraft in a Co Mayo field was commemorated last evening in the town of Ballinrobe.
The Lithuanian ambassador to Ireland, Izolda Brickovskiene, attended a function at Ballinrobe library to honour the achievements of Felix Waitkus, who became only the sixth pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1935.
After braving a nasty cocktail of rain, headwinds and fog over the Atlantic, he had to abandon his attempt to reach Lithuanian soil and brought his aircraft, Lituanica 11, to earth in a rough pasture at Cloongowla near Ballinrobe.
Waitkus, then 28, escaped without serious injuries. He was greeted by local farmers at the landing spot. Ms Brickovskiene described Waitkus as her country's "forgotten hero".
One of the organisers of yesterday's function, Ballinrobe businessman Patsy Murphy, recalled that his late mother was one of those who had gone to see the wrecked plane after it landed on September 21st, 1935.
Another aviation enthusiast and admirer of the Lithuanian pilot's feat, Chris O'Donoghue,said the tree which the plane reputedly clipped at Cloongowla while coming in to land was still growing.
"The pilot, Waitkus, stayed around Ballinrobe for three days," Mr O'Donoghue said.
He added that the pilot's feat had mostly been overlooked until now but hoped that a plaque might soon be erected in the town to commemorate the event.