While we are used to seeing footballers with Irish heritage pop up in various nations around the globe, our links with Argentina have come as a surprise to some.
Whereas Irish surnames are to be expected in the UK, Australia, or the USA, you might not have had the South American nation at the top of list of destinations of emigrants from this part of the world. However, the links between the countries are stronger than you may think.
Quite a few influential figures in Argentine history have strong links to Ireland.
Admiral William Brown is the most well-known of them, with the Mayo native moving to Argentina in the 1700s before going on to become known as the 'father of the Argentine Navy'. He is one of the most well-known personalities in the nation's history, with four different football clubs being named after him included among his legacy.
Now, another Argentinian with Irish roots is taking part in a celebration of that legacy.
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Alexis Mac Allister sends signed shirt to Mayo town
Liverpool and Argentina Alexis Mac Allister can also trace his roots back to Ireland, with his family originating from Donabate in Dublin.
He is one of a number of footballers in the country who has strong Irish heritage, with players such as Tomás O'Connor and Thiago Dowd two other players who fall into that category. We looked at the subject in-depth last year.
Mac Allister is now taking part in the celebration of another famous Irish-Argentinian, sending a signed jersey to Foxford in Mayo, the home of Admiral William Brown. The town are currently celebrating 'Argentina Day' to mark their links to the country.
In a video shared on social media, the World Cup winner let Foxford know that a signed shirt was on its way to Mayo.
Hello Alexis ..big surprise in Foxford today …
Gracias Alexis por tu futbol!!
We are so thankful .. pic.twitter.com/gdL9pJdwvE— Admiral William Brown (@brown_admiral) June 22, 2024
'Argentina Day' was celebrated yesterday June 22nd in Foxford, marking the 247th anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown in the town.
Maybe they can get Alexis Mac Allister over the 248th edition next year.
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