Foxford goes blue and white ahead of Argentina's World Cup Final

Blue and white flags are flying once again in Foxford ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup Final, as the town prepares to throw its support behind reigning champions Argentina.

The Admiral Brown Society are hosting celebrations at The Moy Hotel when Argentina take on Spain at 8pm in New Jersey. The match will be shown live on the big screen.

Supporters are encouraged to wear their Argentina jerseys, bring their flags and cheer on 'La Scaloneta' as they make their bid to retain the world title.

Foxford is no stranger to supporting Argentina during major tournaments.

When the South American nation defeated France on penalties to lift the World Cup in 2022, supporters packed out The Moy Hotel to watch and celebrate together.

For Foxford, however, the support is about more than football. The Mayo town has long celebrated its connection with Argentina through Admiral William Brown, the Foxford-born founder of the Argentine Navy.

That connection is celebrated every June on the anniversary of Admiral Brown's birth, when Argentinian flags line the streets of Foxford and the town honours one of Argentina's greatest national heroes.

Chairperson of the Admiral Brown Society, Margaret Reilly, said organisers are looking forward to welcoming supporters to Sunday's screening and are hoping for another fantastic turnout.

She also highlighted a link between Foxford and Argentina's captain Lionel Messi.

Messi is from Rosario, the Argentine city where the bronze statue of Admiral Brown that stands on Chapel Road in Foxford was cast.

A second statue of Admiral Brown, located on Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin, was also cast in Messi's hometown.

The evening at The Moy Hotel will feature entertainment from members of CCÉ Admiral Brown and local musicians, while Argentinian uilleann piper Pamela Schweblin is also set to perform.

The ties between Ireland and Argentina remain strong. Around 5,000 Argentinians are living in Ireland, while Argentina is home to the largest Irish diaspora of any non-English-speaking country, with an estimated 500,000 Irish descendants living there.

Many across Mayo and Ireland were cheering Argentina on during this week's dramatic semi-final victory over England, which secured their place in Sunday's World Cup Final against Spain.

Kick off is at 8pm on Sunday, July 19. Everyone is welcome to The Moy Hotel in Foxford for the screening.