LÉ Eithne sets southern course to join naval hero celebrations

AN IRISH naval vessel will set course for Argentina to join in celebrations commemorating a Co Mayo man credited with founding the South American country’s navy.

Commander Mark Mellet will be taking the LÉ Eithne’s helm on next month’s voyage to South America where Admiral William Brown’s defence of Argentina’s shores in 1814 made him a national hero.

Commander Mellet said: “William Brown is an iconic figure in Argentina much like John F Kennedy is to the US, so we are delighted that the flag officers agreed to send Ireland’s flagship down there to do that.