Mayo town to honour Admiral William Brown with Argentina Day celebrations

FOXFORD will proudly celebrate Argentina Day on Saturday, June 21, to mark the 248th anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown, the Foxford native who became the founder of the Argentine Navy and a revered national hero in both Ireland and Argentina.

The day promises a rich programme of cultural events, reflection and celebration, with a warm welcome extended to locals, the wider Mayo community, the Argentine diaspora living in Ireland, and visitors from all around the country. Everyone is invited to come and honour a man whose legacy continues to strengthen the bond between Ireland and Argentina.

Born in Foxford on June 22, 1777, Admiral William Brown emigrated as a young boy and rose to become a central figure in Argentina’s fight for independence. He is widely celebrated as the founding father of the Argentine Navy, and his story remains a powerful symbol of courage, international friendship, and resilience.

“This is a day for the local community to come together and celebrate our cherished links with William Brown’s adopted country,” said Margaret Reilly, chairperson of the Admiral Brown Society. “Please come along and join us for what promises to be a great occasion.

“We look forward to seeing everyone out in their blue and white colours, turning Foxford into a colourful spectacle for the day.”

The day’s commemorative events begin at 12 noon with a Mass at St. Michael’s Church, Foxford, where the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, Ana Laura Cachaza, will also be formally welcomed. A wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Foxford Brass and Reed Band, will follow, paying tribute to Admiral Brown’s memory. Attendees will then be invited to join a walk along the picturesque Admiral Brown River Moy Promenade, which has become a much-loved local feature celebrating his maritime legacy.

The connections between Foxford and Argentina run deep. In 1957, to mark the centenary of Admiral Brown’s death, the Argentine Government gifted a bronze bust of the admiral to the town. That tradition of camaraderie has continued to the present day, with notable milestones including the 2022 visit of the ARA Libertad, one of the world’s largest tall ships, to Killala Bay. During that visit, the Argentine Ambassador and crew visited Foxford, receiving a warm welcome from the local community.

Artwork inspired by the Libertad was unveiled at the 2024 celebrations and remains a proud symbol of the town’s enduring ties with Argentina. Around the same time, the Admiral Brown Society launched the innovative Admiral Brown Heritage Trail, drawing renewed attention to his life and legacy. Meanwhile, in Argentina, football club Guillermo Brown de Puerto Madryn paid tribute by unveiling a unique jersey honouring the Foxford-born naval hero.

In March 2024, as part of the government’s St. Patrick's Day missions, Minister of State Dara Calleary laid a wreath at Admiral Brown’s grave in Buenos Aires. He was joined by Argentinian municipal leaders and presented specially commissioned pins featuring both nations’ flags and an image of Admiral Brown - a powerful symbol of lasting friendship.

Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, praised the Admiral Brown Society for their continued work in strengthening international ties: “These bonds place Foxford on a global stage, making it a must-visit destination. The work being done to preserve and celebrate Admiral Brown’s legacy is inspirational.”

The Argentine Embassy and the Admiral Brown Society supported by Mayo County Council warmly invite everyone to be part of this year’s celebrations on Saturday, June 21. It promises to be another emotional and memorable day, reflecting the unique spirit of friendship between the people of Foxford and the people of Argentina.

For further updates and details, visit the Admiral William Brown Society website or follow them on social media.