Mayo town rejoices over Argentina’s dramatic World Cup triumph

Elated cries of ‘Vamos Argentina’ echoed throughout Foxford this evening as the community celebrated and saluted the new World Cup champions.

The east Mayo town has long and robust connections with Argentina as Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentinian Navy, was born locally.

From the first kick-off, the town’s five pubs throbbed with activity and passion.

A sea of blue and white lapped onto the pavement of the town’s Main Street.

The finish was nerve-wracking as France fought back from being 2-0 down to level the game in the second half. Argentina, however, prevailed after a penalty shootout.

“That was heart stopping," admitted Pat Guiry, who is co-proprietor of Guiry’s Pub with his wife, Martha.

“But all’s well that ends well," he continued. “This is a proud day for the whole community here just as it is for all Argentinians.”

Regulars and management of Guiry’s alike were bewitched by the sorcery of the game’s two totemic footballers, Messi and Mbappe.

After the superstar’s second goal, which edged Argentina in front 3-2, Pat Guiry couldn’t contain his admiration for Messi.

“When he dribbles it’s like the ball is tied to his shoelace. It’s his ball and nobody is getting it."

Drinks were half price in Guiry’s for the duration of the game which went to extra time and penalties following the stalemate in normal time.

Guiry’s, adjacent to the River Moy, is normally a magnet for anglers.

But since the World Cup quarter finals, as Argentina progressed, patrons have been hooked on football.

Foxford was en fete for the occasion.

The town has its own Admiral Brown Comhaltas group which performed in the newly refurbished Moy Hotel before the game, as did the Foxford Brass and Reed Band, which gave a half time presentation.

Appropriately the band played the Argentinian National Anthem and St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning, the anthem of the Argentinian Navy.

Local parish priest, Fr. Padraig Costelo, speaking at Sunday Mass in the local St. Michael’s Church, got the town’s ‘special day’ off to a good start by wishing Argentina well in the final.

Margaret Reilly, chairperson of the Admiral Brown Society, was delighted at the turnout.

“This was a day for the local community to get together and celebrate our cherished links with William Brown’s adopted country,” she said.

Crowds spilled onto the streets in celebration following the nail-biting penalty finish.

“The party looks certain to continue long into the night," predicted Tommy Noone, co-owner with his wife, Maureen, of the Moy Hotel.

“It’s been busy since we opened," Mr. Noone added, “but today’s crowds have been absolutely off the scale as regards business.”