An admiral and a nun, both long dead, are locked in an unlikely battle for prominence in a Co Mayo town.
The dispute has arisen over whether the Foxford relief road which has just opened should be named after Admiral William Browne, founder of the Argentinian navy, or Mother Morrogh Bernard, a Sister of Charity.
The former was born in Foxford in 1777 and founded the Argentinian navy. The latter helped Foxford tackle poverty by setting up a woollen mills in 1892.
Foxford Development Association wants the new road named after the nun. However the local Admiral Browne Society, which has ambitious plans to mark the 150th anniversary of the admiral's death next year, is adamant that he deserves the accolade. If Admiral Browne wins out, ancient cannon will be specially imported from Argentina to decorate a "boulevard of homage" to him.
The "Admiral Browne road" suggestion was reportedly defeated by six votes to two at a recent meeting of the development association. However JJ O'Hara, president of the Admiral Browne Society, claims the result was void because the minutes of the meeting "weren't properly approved".
Mr O'Hara says Mother Morrogh Bernard and Admiral Browne can both be honoured as there are two new roads.
There will be a ceremony today at Haulbowline, Co Cork, to mark the departure of the Naval Service's LE Eithne to South America.
This follows the Government's acceptance of an invitation from Argentina to send a ship to join in celebrations commemorating Admiral Brown.