Missing the Irish connection?

Madam, – I refer to  Adrian J English’s letter (June 1st), in which he states that the name 1st Patricios infantry regiment …

Madam, – I refer to  Adrian J English’s letter (June 1st), in which he states that the name 1st Patricios infantry regiment of the Argentine army commemorates Irish volunteers who participated in the defence of Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807. This is inaccurate. Founded by Santiago de Liniers, the French born-viceroy of the River Plate, the regiment derives its name from the Spanish word patricio, meaning patrician in English. As the name implies, recruitment was targeted at the well-established families of Buenos Aires. Underscoring the linkages with France, St Martin de Tours was chosen as patron saint of the regiment. – Yours, etc,

JOHN KENNEDY,

Society for Irish Latin American Studies,

Stronsa Road,

Hammersmith,

London, England.