Spanish sailors arrive in Mullaghmore in memory of their lost countrymen
THEY arrived bright and early on Friday morning, capping a four- day journey from their base in the north of Spain, eventually tendering at a misty Mullaghmore Harbour.
Just before 8am, the Spanish Navy’s OPV Centinela, an offshore patrol boat measuring 67 metres long, arrived in Ireland for the very first time.
The 47 crew members were there to mark the tragic loss of their predecessors - the 1,100 men of the Spanish Armada who perished at Streedagh beach nearly 430 years ago.
It was a sombre beginning with little movement from the vessel, other than a subtle sway from side to side as the wind picked up momentum.
But three hours after locals got their first glance of the navy ship, the crew members on board finally braved the bitter conditions, with the help of local butcher Keith Clarke who played the role of water taxi, and so kicked off the Celtic Fringe Festival.
“It was a tough day but I had good crew with me to make it a little easier,” Keith said.
“I was there from about seven in the morning until two the following morning in case food supplies were needed and also bringing the sailors in and out, but it provided a great buzz around the place.”
Starting with the Centinela’s arrival on the west coast, a variety of events took place to commemorate the plight of the Spanish Armada’s previous trip.
On Saturday afternoon, a series of talks and presentations explored Armada sites, stories, and folklore for those looking to enrich their history.
Guests were treated to lectures by various Armada experts including Fionnbarr Moore of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, UCC’s Dr Connie Kelleher and author Bob Curran.
Sligo Mayor, Marie Casserly hosted a gala reception to celebrate the visit of the Spanish Navy to the county on Saturday evening.
Hosted by Mayor of Sligo and Streedagh native Councillor Marie Casserly, guests included Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin, Rafael Soriano, MEP Marian Harkin, TDs, Councillors and many other dignitaries, academics, and Armada enthusiasts from home and abroad.
However, all this was just a lead up to the main event on Sunday when the OPV Centinela led out a parade of sail at Streedagh Beach where they were helped by a fleet of local boats take the Armada Crescent formation.
The Army Band 2 Brigade from the Costume Barracks in Athlone then honoured their comrades, performing a special selection of pieces.
Of the weekend’s festivities, Mayor Casserly said: “It was nice to show them that we appreciate that they took the time to set sail to commemorate the sailors who died and they recognise that we do remember them too with this festival.”
She added: “It was a solemn occasion when we laid the wreath down at the beach. Everyone got involved and it was a real community effort.”