Address by the Ambassador from Argentina to Ireland at the official presentation of works of art and books, mainly featuring an Irishman, Admiral William Brown, the founder of the Argentine Navy. The presentation took place on Monday 11th October 2010 in the Dún Laoghaire Club. The Ambassador is Dr. Maria Esther Bondanza.
It is my pleasure, and honour to be here as Ambassador of Argentina to participate in this ceremony.
There are three important points that I would like to underline;
We are in 2010, the year of the bicentenary of the independence of Argentina. Ireland is strongly associated with our celebrations, given the participation of many Irish in our War for Independence. Many Irish settled in our lands. Others arrived in the following decades. All of them have made a substantial contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of my country. We feel very thankful for that.
In second place, if we consider the history of Argentina and its independence the figure of one of its most admired heroes immediately arises: Admiral William Brown.
He was born in Foxford, County Mayo, and his family’s misfortunes led him to emigrate towards North America where soon after, being still a child, he found himself alone, poor and without a future.
From that miserable situation, thanks to his natural intelligence and firm personality he managed his life in such a successful way, that in 1810 he was established in Buenos Aires City with all his family, as a prosperous business man.
When the new Government of the River Plate saw the need to defend its coasts against Spanish ships they appointed William Brown Commander in Chief of its Naval Forces. We all have heard how Brown with a really weak navy won all the battles against the enemy, and the River Plate was freed from Spanish domination. He was considered the hero of the day and received honours and the highest compliments.
Sean Barret TD (former Minister of the Marine), Harry Callan (vetran, captured by nazis leaving Buenos Aires); Peadar Ward (President MII);Dr. Maria Esther Bondanza (Ambassador from Argentina); Roger Kirker (Hon Museum Administrator); Michael O'Flatherty (Hon Treasurer, MII); Sergeant Dick O' Hanlon, Renmore Barracks Galway (face obscured); Peter Mulvany (Irish Seamen's Relatives Association)
Thanks to his ability and courage, he was called on again by the new Government. Iin 1925, he fought against the Brazilian Navy and in the Battle of Juncal, he captured the entire Brazilian squadron.
I think the entire life of Admiral Brown is amazing and marvellous. Beyond his military genius, he also had other remarkable virtues, as generosity, sense of honour, firmness and charisma.
It is comforting he had the privilege to know the glory and respect of everybody when he was alive. It was not the case with many other prominent figures of our history. Other very important element is that he got the love and admiration of his home land and his adoptive country.
He was born in Ireland, he died in Argentina. We honour him in these two countries, far away in geographical terms, but close and linked in affection.
So we gather here to pay tribute to William Brown once more. In this opportunity I have the pleasure to present to the Maritime Institute of Ireland a carbon portrait of our national hero. It was donated by Sub-Lieutenant Santiago Aversa, who is currently in the Argentine Navy Reserve. He is a lawyer, lecturer in Universities of Buenos Aires and author of numerous articles on naval history. He also wrote a book about the first battle of Admiral Brown. Santiago is a member of the Maritime Institute of Ireland and besides the carbon portrait; he also sent books and prints.
I thank this Institute for its role and labour, and also Mr. Peter Mulvany, who is the person who travelled to Argentina and brought this donation. He is a friend of the Embassy and always willing to help strengthen the links between Argentina and Ireland.
And finally, I deeply thank you all for attending this meaningful event.
ENDS
