Foxford in blue Heaven

For the second time in a fortnight a small Mayo town decked itself out from top to toe in the blue and white colours of Argentina as the South Americans faced England in last night's vital World Cup knock-out clash in St Etienne.

Foxford, Co Mayo, a quiet fishing town situated alongside the river Moy, has been catapulted into the international limelight ever since it openly declared its allegiance with Argentina.

The appearance of the South American team in the second round generated even further excitement amongst the 1,000strong population in the town last night who were once again celebrating another famous win for their adopted team after a dramatic penalty shootout went in favour of their heroes.

As Sky TV, CNN and international media representatives from all over the world arrived to film the unusual scenes early yesterday evening, pubs in the town began serving Argentinian-type meals which were washed down with `happy hour' pints costing £1.50 and which were still on offer right into the late hours!

"Every business in the town had the flags out and we had match programmes printed especially for the occasion. The place has gone mad down here altogether and even the British fishermen who come here to fish the Moy every year are joining in on the craic," said local newsagent J J O Hara.

The Foxford association with Argentina goes back to the birth of William Brown, who later went on to become founder of the Argentine navy.

Over the years, high profile Argentinian figures, generally of a military standing, have paid frequent visits to the birthplace of their army founder, where a memorial bust has been erected especially in his honour.

However, it was the World Cup activity which finally brought the town to the attention of the world.