Ecuadorians honour their Irish founder

MORE than 100 visitors from South America are set to arrive here for the unveiling of a statue to an Irishman who helped win independence for Ecuador.

Admiral Thomas Wright was born just outside Drogheda, Co Louth, and a monument in his memory has been erected at the entrance to the town’s port.

His descendants are among those flying in to see the 7ft statue unveiled on Fiddle Case Quay at 3pm on Saturday.

Admiral Wright helped win Ecuador’s freedom from Spain and is regarded as a national hero. This year marks the 150th anniversary of his death.