As the world celebrate’s St Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious holiday that honours St Partick, the patron saint of Ireland, The Asunción Times takes a look at Ireland’s influence on Paraguay’s history and culture.
Between the early 1500s and the late 1700s, many Irish, mostly men, seeking to escape the wars and hardships of the Emerald Isle, as Ireland is known, found refuge in Spain. Some of them, along with their descendants, eventually made their way to the Spanish colonies in the Americas, including Paraguay. In the mid-19th century, another wave of Irish immigrants arrived in South America, driven by the devastating famines in Ireland during the 1830s and 1840s. While the exact number of Irish Paraguayans remains unclear, the impact of their presence on Paraguayan society has been undeniable. These Irish immigrants and their descendants have contributed significantly to Paraguay’s culture, history, and politics. Today, the Irish-Paraguayan community continues to thrive and leave its mark on the country’s social fabric. Though modest in numbers, it remains a proud and lasting part of Paraguay’s multicultural heritage.
The Early Irish Presence In Paraguay
Nicolás Colman And The First Irish Settlers
The earliest recorded Irish presence in Paraguay dates back to the 1500s, with Nicolás Colman possibly being one of the first person with Irish ancestry to arrive in the region. Colman, born around 1518 in London, had family in Ireland. He was an explorer and military figure in South America. He arrived in the Río de la Plata with Pedro de Mendoza’s expedition in 1536 and played a role in the founding of Buenos Aires. Colman later moved to today’s Paraguay, where he participated in the establishment of Asunción. Known for his military actions and leadership, he also led a revolt in the Guayrá region and served as a governor there. He died in the capital, after the 1550s.
Thomas Field And The Jesuit Missions
Thomas Field was born in Limerick in 1549. He is an Irish Jesuit priest, arrived in South America in the late 16th century. After working with José de Anchieta in Brazil, he moved to Paraguay, where he became deeply involved in missionary work. Field helped establish Jesuit reductions, which aimed to convert and protect indigenous populations. His efforts in evangelising, education, and navigating Spanish-indigenous relations strengthened the Jesuit presence in the region. Field was captured by English pirates in 1586 but survived, later settling in Asunción, where he passed away in 1625.
Governor Carlos Morphi
Carlos Morphi, originally Charles Murphy, was an Irish-born Spanish colonial officer who served as the Governor of Paraguay from 1766 to 1772. Born in Ireland, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Spanish army. During his tenure as governor, Morphi founded several cities, including Caacupé in April 1770. He is also noted for his favourable relations with the Jesuit community in Paraguay. When ordered to expel the Jesuits, Morphi assisted in concealing and destroying documents related to the Jesuit missions and eventually fled Paraguay. He was subsequently prosecuted and deported to Italy, where he died in 1773.
The Irish Influence On Paraguay’s Independence And Development
Madame Elisa Lynch: The Most Famous Irishwoman In Paraguay
One of the most famous figures of Irish descent in Paraguay’s history is Elisa Lynch, popularly known as Madame Lynch. Born in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, in 1835, she met Francisco Solano López while the two were in Paris and married in 1854. López, son of Carlos Antonio, also went on to become President of Paraguay. Elisa Lynch played a crucial role in Paraguayan society, introducing European customs, fashion, and medical knowledge. However, her most lasting influence was during the War of the Triple Alliance, where she accompanied López and took on an active role in supporting troops. After López’s death in battle, she was vilified by Paraguay’s enemies but later rehabilitated in Paraguayan memory. She died in Paris in 1886.
President Juan Bautista Gill
Juan Bautista Gill (1840–1877), President of Paraguay from 1874 to 1877, was of Irish descent through his grandfather, who had migrated to Latin America. Gill played a key role in post-war reconstruction following the war, serving as Minister of Finance and later as President of the Senate. He was instrumental in negotiating the 1876 Machaín-Irigoyen Treaty with Argentina. His presidency was marked by political unrest, and he was assassinated in 1877 during a revolt. His Irish ancestry is part of the diverse background that shaped Paraguay’s history.
Irish-Paraguayan Contributions In The 19th And 20th Century
Juan Emiliano O’Leary’s Family
Irish immigrants continued to settle in Paraguay in the 19th and 20th centuries, often integrating into the military or administrative sectors. John O’Leary, an Irish immigrant to South America, was the grandfather of Juan O’Leary, one of Paraguay’s most prominent historians and poets. Born in 1879, Juan Emiliano O’Leary was a historian, writer, and nationalist who played a key role in defending Paraguay’s history. His works, focusing on the War of the Triple Alliance, helped shape the national narrative and highlight the sacrifices made during the war. His Irish heritage was a point of pride, and his legacy is commemorated in Paraguay, with the town of Juan Emilio O’Leary named in his honour. The O’Leary surname remains significant in Paraguay to this day.
Esteban Gallagher And The Irish Influence In The Chaco
Esteban Gallagher, of Irish origin, arrived in Paraguay in 1915 and settled in the Chaco region, where he became involved in cattle farming. His contributions helped establish Paraguay’s agricultural economy in one of the country’s most challenging environments. His arrival marked the beginning of the Gallagher family presence in the country, which counted for around 200 people based on the last record from the government. According to historical records, the Gallaghers were originally from Northeast Ireland.
Pettengil Family And Irish-Paraguayan Commerce
The Pettengil family, believed to be of Irish or Anglo-Irish descent, played a significant role in Paraguay’s commerce and settlement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While specific historical records about the family are scarce, their involvement in Paraguay’s economic and social landscape was notable. The Pettengils were part of the wave of European immigrants who helped shape the country’s development during this period, particularly contributing to trade and business ventures. Their presence, alongside other Irish-descended families, highlights the broader impact of Irish and Anglo-Irish settlers in Paraguay, who were instrumental in fostering the nation’s growth during a time of transformation.
Modern Irish-Paraguayan Relations and Cultural Influence
Diplomatic Relations Between Ireland and Paraguay
While Ireland does not have a formal embassy in Paraguay, they have a consulate in the country, located close to Paseo La Galería. Paraguay also as a consulate located in Dublin.
The Association Of Paraguayans In Ireland
The APRI supports Paraguayans residing in or migrating to Ireland. It organises integration events, celebrates traditional festivities, and provides information on living and working in Ireland. Their mission is to foster cooperation and unity among Paraguayans, promote relations with similar organisations, and develop programs that benefit the community in areas like health, education, and social welfare. Multiple Paraguayans in Ireland attend ceremonies in Charleville honouring Elisa Lynch.
Irish Bars in Paraguay
The Irish influence can also be seen in Asunción’s bars and nightlife scene, with two well-known Irish-themed bars catering to locals and expatriates:
Irish Surnames in Paraguay Today
Some of the most recognisable Irish surnames in Paraguay include:
- Colman
- Doldán/Doldan
- Gallagher
- Gill
- O’Hara
The Irish influence in Paraguay continues to grow into the future
Las Arpas GAA
The most notable new addition to Paraguay’s repertoire of Irish-origin activities is the recently founded Las Arpas Gaelic Football Club in Asunción. Named after the harp, a type of musical instrument with local designs which are both held dear in their respective countries of Paraguay and Ireland, this new sports club is bringing together people from around the world to play this most revered of Irish sports – and they’re always open to newcomers who want to try it out and see what it’s all about!
Contact Paraguay GAA on Instagram here.
The connection between Paraguay and Ireland is only getting stronger
The connection between Ireland and Paraguay has spanned centuries, from the early Jesuit missionaries to figures like Elisa Lynch, Juan Emiliano O’Leary, and others. Today, the cultural, historical, political, and economic ties between the two nations continue to evolve, strengthened by trade, diplomacy, and the celebration of Irish heritage in Paraguay.
Today, you’ll be able to continue the St PartickDay celebrations – and enjoy the craic!
