Bay spear tradition continues

LORD Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh took to the waters of Dublin Bay last week to take part in a re-enactment of a tradition dating back 527 years.

‘Casting of the Spear’ was the Lord Mayor’s first official duty as Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port following an investiture ceremony on the quayside, where she received the Admiral’s hat from Dublin Port Company chief executive Eamonn O’Reilly.

The title of Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port has been bestowed on the Lord Mayor of Dublin for over 20 years.

Historical records show that the maritime tradition of Casting the Spear dates back to 1488 when Thomas Mayler, who was then Lord Mayor of Dublin, rode out on horseback and cast a spear as far as he could into the sea. This was to mark the city’s boundaries eastwards. Lord Mayor Ní Dhálaigh said she was delighted to continue the tradition.

“It’s a wonderful tradition that brings to life the rich maritime history of our capital city and port for the people of Dublin,

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“Long may it continue for generations of Dubliners.

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Chief executive of Dublin Port Company Eamonn O’Reilly said:

“The Casting of the Spear brings us back in time to medieval Dublin and reminds us of the port’s evolving links with the city.

“It’s over half a millennium since the then Lord Mayor, Thomas Mayler, set the city’s boundaries by casting a spear into Dublin Bay.

Mr O’Reilly added:

“It also encourages us to reflect on the wealth of maritime stories in Dublin Port’s history, which we are committed to preserving for the city and people’s understanding of Dublin as port city.

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