‘ It is a special journey for us to honour our past’
SPANISH sailors of the OPV Centinela arrived in Mullaghmore on Friday to blustery conditions, but that didn’t dampen their spirits as they touched Irish soil for the first time.
Officer of the ship, Juan Pedro, said that while the weather made for a rough journey, it was enough to make the trip that bit more interesting.
He said: “It is our first time here and the ship’s first time here, so it is very pretty for us. It is very special for us to honour our past people who made this same journey many years ago. We are excited to take it all in.”
The first batch of crew members to depart the ship, wrapped in winter coats and out of their Navy uniforms, made their way from the harbour to a waiting bus that would take them to Sligo town.
They would have four hours to explore the sights before returning to relieve some of the other on- duty sailors who would then get their chance to take in Yeats County.
At midnight they would reunite to sleep on the vessel with winds expected to hit 50 knots.
While Mullaghmore is a popular stop for tourists, it’s not every day the Spanish Navy comes to town.
Pier Head Hotel employee, Kieran Feeney, said it was great publicity for the village.
“It was amazing to see the vessel coming closer and closer and all of the staff were outside looking at it,” he said.
“It arrived just before 8 o’clock so it was an early start but it was very exciting and the whole weekend has a great line up.”
Patrick Donnelly, owner of Paddy’s Place shop, echoed Kieran’s words.
“The whole festival has prolonged the season of Mullaghmore. Not only that, but it is great fun over the whole weekend.”