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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Nick Bramhill

Mayo town dubbed 'Buenos Eires' as it vows to throw biggest party outside Argentina if they beat France in World Cup final

A Co Mayo town has vowed to throw the biggest party outside Argentina on Sunday if their heroes beat France to win the World Cup.

Foxford has been dubbed 'Buenos Eires' - such has been the rapturous support from the locals for Lionel Messi and his team since the start of the tournament.

Foxford owes its special relationship with the South American country to its most famous son, Admiral William Brown, who emigrated from Ireland in the late 18th century and established the Argentinian navy.

As the first admiral of his adopted country's navy, Brown played a pivotal role in securing the nation's liberation from the Spanish and Brazilian empires and establishing the Argentinian Republic.

Brown is so revered in Argentina that a city, namely 'Citidad Admiralte Brown', was named after him, along with over 1,100 streets, 320 parks and four soccer stadiums.

So it's no surprise that the 1,300-plus residents of Foxford are all preparing to roar on La Albiceleste tomorrow afternoon, as they bid to win the coveted trophy for the third time in their history.

Previous celebrations in Foxford of Argentina's World Cup victories in Qatar - including the most recent wins against the Netherlands and Croatia - have gone viral in the South American country.

And tomorrow the town will be decked in sky blue and white, as fans promise to throw the wildest celebrations since late star Diego Maradona led the team to World Cup glory in 1986.

Pub landlord Pat Guiry, who runs popular Guiry's pub in the town, said: "Admiral Brown is probably still the biggest hero in Argentina to this day, and everyone in Foxford is extremely proud of the fact he's one of our own.

"Today there is a very special relationship between Foxford and Argentina, and every year we welcome a contingent of Argentinians here, including members of the navy who come over and lay a wreath to Admiral Brown."

He added: "There's been a brilliant atmosphere here during Argentina's games, but it's going to be night no one here will ever forget if they go on and win the World Cup.

He added: "The only thing that would top Argentina winning the World Cup would be for Mayo to win the All-Ireland."

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