French navy sails in to Limerick for the first time in over 300 years

FOR the first time in 333 years, a flotilla of the French navy made a courtesy port of call to Limerick.

To celebrate past and present friendship between Ireland and France, its closest EU neighbour, a group of four boats called 'Bâteau-Ecole' sailed up the River Shannon on May 24 and docked in Limerick Harbour for a few days. 

The boats in question can be recognised by their animal-inspired names, such as Leopard or Tiger.

333 years ago, in 1691, the French navy came for reinforcements during the Williamite Wars of Ireland.

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However, they arrived after the siege of the city and shortly after Patrick Sarsfield had signed the Treaty of Limerick, which led to the exile to France of over 12,000 Irish soldiers who became known as the Wild Geese.

The 'bâteau-école' are boats used by the French navy to train young cadets for navigation and rescue techniques.

Over the weekend, members of the crew attended the annual United Nations Peacekeepers Day ceremony held by members of Post 6 of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA).

The historical episode of the Flight of the Wild Geese and the special bond with France are commemorated annually during the Limerick Wild Geese Festival which will take place on Saturday, July 6 Sunday, July 7 this summer.