CAMPAIGN BEGINS TO HONOUR WRIGHT

THE CAMPAIGN to honour one of South America’s most celebrated military seamen is set to come alive in the next few weeks.

Thomas Charles Wright was born at Queensborough on January 22 1799 and entered the naval service at the age of 11, attending college in Portsmouth.

He went on to play a leading role in establishing the new Republic of Ecuador and was its first admiral, and governor of the great port city of Guayaquil from 1835-1845 .

It is said his military victories helped end Spanish rule in the country.

In 1972 the republic of Ecuador issued a postage stamp in his honour to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the State, and “La Batalla Pinchincha”.

But Wright has never been fully recognised in his home town, but 2018 could change that.

It’s the 150th anniversay of his death and meetings are taking place in Ecuador in August to commence a fundraising campaign to honour Wright in Drogheda.

He has family members, called Wright, living in places such as Quito and Guayaquill.

Noel Bailey is heading up the Wright mission in Drogheda and would love to assist in establishing a true link between Drogheda and Ecuador.

‘We are looking at home it can be achieved and what form it would take,’ he stated.

One suggestion is a statue or a commemorative stone - perhaps placed at Donor’s Green - recognising Wright’s life.

It would also be fitting if family members came from Ecuador to meet their Drogheda clan.

‘A number of them have come over down the years and are really excited about the proposal,’ Noel adds.