The links between Foxford in County Mayo and Argentina run deep, with Foxford-born Admiral William Brown known as the father of the Argentine army.
What is the link between Foxford and Argentina?
Those connections were forged hundreds of years ago and remain strong to this day. So much so, that a County Mayo pub has taken has seen punters cheering on the Argentine football side ahead of this Sunday's World Cup final.
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The two areas are connected by one man - Admiral William Brown.
The County Mayo man is an Argentine hero and played a key role in the fight for independence in the 1800's.
Who is Admiral William Brown?
The special relationship between Argentina and this little part of Mayo began with Admiral Brown, who was born in Foxford back in 1777. He emigrated to America at the age of 9 and shortly afterwards his father died.
As a teenager, he found work aboard a ship and joined the navy. After ten years at sea, during which time he fought for the British in the Napoleonic Wars, Brown renounced his titles and emigrated to South America and eventually winded up living in Argentina.
What is his connection to Argentina?
Brown became involved in the Argentine war of Independence in 1810. At this time, Argentina was under the control of the Spanish government, and Spanish ships were forming a blockade at Buenos Aires port.
His ship was stolen by the Spanish, and in revenge, Brown organised an expedition that saw him commandeer one of the Spanish ships forming part of the blockade. He sailed the ship back into the port and was hailed as a hero.
Why is he beloved in Argentina?
Brown returned to England to collect his family and bring them back to Argentina. Upon returning, Brown was put in command of soldiers and broke the blockade in 1814. Argentinian forces recaptured the area and thus ended the threat posed by Spain.
For many years, he was in command of the Argentinian Army as the new State flourished. After retiring from active service, Brown became Governor of Buenos Aires in 1828.
Brown returned home to Foxford just once more in his life in 1847. Ten years later, he passed away at the age of 79 and was given a full State funeral.
The Mayo man is still well regarded in Argentina and is seen as a symbol of Argentinian independence. He has even had a famous song written about him by the Wolfe Tones
So, while Guiry's Pub in Foxford is sure to be draped in blue and white on Sunday afternoon, be rest assured that the entirety of the county will be rooting for the adopted homeland of one of their most famous sons.
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