Naval cadets presented with Admiral Brown medals

The Admiral Brown Society attended the 63rd Commissioning Ceremony at the Cork Naval Base on Friday, July 18, where it continued the tradition of presenting the Admiral Brown Medal to the newly commissioned cadets, celebrating the enduring influence of Foxford-born Admiral William Brown on modern maritime traditions.

Ms Margaret Reilly and Mr Alan Lonergan had the honour of presenting the medals, including to a pair of cadets from Co Sligo, Mr Oisin Anderson and Mr Martin McHale.

Admiral William Brown, known as the founding father of the Argentine Navy, was born in Foxford in 1777. His remarkable seafaring career and valour have made him a legendary figure not only in Ireland but across the Atlantic in Argentina and beyond. The Admiral Brown Society, founded to commemorate and promote his legacy, serves as a bridge connecting local heritage with international maritime history.

Each year, the Society participates in commemorative events and educational initiatives, nurturing the legacy of Admiral Brown for new generations. The invitation to attend the Commissioning Ceremony in Cork is both a recognition of this unceasing dedication and a celebration of the Society’s role in fostering maritime understanding.

The ceremony at the Naval Base in Cork stands as one of the most prestigious events in the Irish Naval Service calendar. It marks the formal induction of new officers and sailors who have completed their rigorous training and are ready to serve Ireland’s maritime interests at home and abroad.

“The story of Admiral William Brown is an extraordinary reminder of the power of one individual to shape history,” said the society’s chairperson Margaret Reilly. “Our presence at the 63rd Commissioning Ceremony is both a tribute to Admiral Brown’s enduring legacy and a statement of Mayo’s ongoing commitment to Ireland’s maritime future.”