Although we are a tiny nation, Ireland has made a big impact on the whole world. Migration from Ireland is recorded since the early middle ages. Since around 1700 between 9 and 10 million people born in Ireland have emigrated. In todays 21st century world an estimated 80 million people from all over the world claim Irish decent, they are known as the Irish diaspora.

A man named William "Guillermo" Brown isnt too well known in Ireland but in Argentina is regarded as a national hero. He was born in Foxford Co.Mayo on 22 June 1777. He got offered employment by the captin of a ship while living in Pennsylvania. He became a cabin boy thereby setting him on the naval promotion ladder, where he worked his wayto the captaincy of a merchant vessel. He later became an admiral for the Navy in Argentina and led the defeat of the Spanish Navy that resulted in the independence Argentina, making him a national hero for their people.

There are 1,100 streets, six towns, 320 schools, 441 plazas and even six football teams all named after him in in his adopted homeland of Argentina.

There was a celebration to mark the aniversary of his death in Kerry County Library in Tralee on Tuesday March 3rd 2009. In his hometown of Foxford a memorial plaque dedicated to William was unveiled. You can read the full article on The Kerryman Feburary 26th 2009 though our archives.

Below is a statue dedicated to William Brown that can be found in our capital city Dublin.