Ties that bind a “concept of freedom” stronger than ever for Ireland and Argentina

by Kim Mullahey · June 15, 2023

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MAY the 25^th and 7^th June have been marked this year as two historic days in the long association between Ireland and Argentina, the Embassy of Argentina the first to host an event at the All Ireland Polo Club in Phoenix Park, Dublin in its 150^th year.

Ambassador Ana Laura Cachaza welcomed guests from the diplomatic corps to the National Day of Argentina commemorations at the All Ireland Polo Club in Phoenix Park, Dublin Ireland

Earlier this month (7 June), immigrant son Luis Lalor returned with his family in a friendly polo competition of mixed teams for the Lalor Cup, a prize established in 2022 following Irish representation at the famed Argentine Open, for the first time entirely fielded by a ladies team. Siobhan Herbst and Inez Lalor, the daughter of Luis Lalor represented the Irish team along with April Kent and Caroline Keeling, which led to the inaugural Lalor Cup last year.

Mexico Ambassador to Ireland Carolina Zaragoza (left), Ambassador Cachaza and Argentine Deputy Head of Mission Nicolas Francisco Vidal at the National Day of Argentina

At the National Day of Argentina, held at the All Ireland Polo Club last May, Her Excellency Ana Laura Cachaza welcomed Irish young people to participate in a working holiday agreement already in place for young Argentines visiting Ireland. Ambassador Cachaza has continued a programme of enterprise, sustainable initiatives and energy development as well as trade and academic applications based on close ties of friendship and a shared history between the two countries.

The teams, Glenpatrick and La Alicia for the Lalor Cup

“As part of the working holiday agreement with Ireland, 200 young Argentines come every year,” said Her Excellency. “We need to promote that for Irish young people to have the same experience (in Argentina).” The Ambassador added: “It is the concept of freedom that we celebrate every 25^th May, the decision to take charge on one’s own destiny.”

La Alicia’s Francisco Lalor in action at the Lalor Cup match

Immigrant son Luis Lalor, descendant of a family that left Ireland in the 19^th Century returned to the All Ireland Polo Club with a team to play for the cup he founded. While Northern Ireland’s Glenpatrick team took the trophy in a friendly match against La Alicia, a Lalor presence on each of the teams including Luis’s son Mateo and cousin Francisco insured that close ties, even in victory and defeat on the polo ground remain as strong as ever.

Ambassador Cachaza and Deputy Head of Mission Vidal (centre) and staff of the Embassy of Argentina in Ireland

“For us, it is a huge honour to be here playing (at the AIPC),” said Luis Lalor. “Thanks to the AIPC for (hosting) the Cup.”

Past All Ireland Polo Club president and retired polo play Johnny Kavanagh, Ambassador Cachaza and Deputy Head of Mission Vidal at the Lalor Cup match at the All Ireland Polo Club

For information about a working holiday for Irish young people in Argentina contact the Embassy of Argentina in Ireland at eirla@mrecic.gov.ar or phone (01) 269 1546