The Naval flagship the
LE Eithne
is to travel to Argentina to attend celebrations marking the 150
th
anniversary of the death of Admiral William Brown, the Mayoman who became an icon in the South American country's battle for independence.
The vessel will be in the capital, Buenos Aires, at the invitation of the Argentinean government, in recognition of Admiral Brown's achievements, which include the founding of the Argentinean navy and successful, against-the-odds battles with Spanish and Brazilian fleets.
It was announced today that the Eithnewill also travel to other Argentinean ports as well as Rio De Janeiro in Brazil and the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.
The ship's crew will also provide practical assistance in some Irish charities' missions in South America. Toys, supplied by the Dublin Archdiocese will be distributed to needy children during the visits.
The toys were collected during the Archdiocese Christmas appeal and were presented to the crew today.
Minister of State for Health and Children Brian Lenihan attended today's announcement aboard the vessel which was also hosting children form Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.
The visits will also foster diplomatic and economic links and there are plans to assess the possibility of recruiting health professionals in the countries visited.
"You are going to a country [Argentina] with a very strong Irish connection and I have no doubt you will do our country proud," Mr Lenihan told the the crew.
The Eithnedeparts on February 6 thunder the command of Commander Mark Mellet, attends the Admiral Brown celebrations in March and is due to return on April 6 th.