The town of Foxford, Co Mayo, has paid homage to famous native son Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine navy.
The unveiling by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey of a statue brought to an end a year of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Brown's death.
The Argentine Embassy, the Argentine Navy and the Naval Service were represented at the ceremony on Saturday, which was attended by 150 people.
The bronze statue is by the Argentinian artist Claudio Fernandez. A similar statue has already been erected at Sir John Rogerson Quay in Dublin.
Mr Dempsey described Brown as "one of Mayo's greatest sons" and explained that in Argentina, two towns, 1,000 streets and 500 statues, as well as a sizeable city and a few football clubs, are named after him.
JJ O'Hara, president of the Admiral Brown Society in Foxford, revealed plans on Saturday for a new park in the town dedicated to the naval strategist, who was born in the area in 1777.
