Lord Mayor continues bay spear tradition 

LORD Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring took to the waters of Dublin Bay last week to take part in a ceremony to mark a tradition which dates back 530 years. 

‘Casting of the Spear’ was the first official duty for new Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring as Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port at his investiture from Dublin Port chairperson Lucy McCaffrey. 

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 the 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.  

Centuries later, the re-enactment ceremony is a reminder of Dublin’s role as a port city in medieval times and highlights Dublin Port’s remarkable history since its establishment as a trading post some 1,200 years ago.

Newly invested Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port Nial Ring said: "As someone who was born and reared beside Dublin Port, I am absolutely thrilled to have the honour of ‘Casting the Spear’ and marking the eastern boundary of the city. 

“Also, having the distinction of becoming the Honorary Admiral of the Port is very exciting and I'm delighted to assume this prestigious role. 

“The year ahead is a particularly busy and active for Dublin Port as it continues to develop, expand and grow and I will be working closely with Dublin Port Company chief executive Eamonn O'Reilly and his team to progress its projects under the Masterplan.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Dublin Port chairperson Lucy McCaffrey said: “I would like thank Lord Mayor Ring for his participation in the Casting of the Spear, a ceremony that celebrates our heritage as a port city. 

“Looking back to the origins of the ceremony, now more 500 years ago, it is extraordinary to think that our city’s boundaries were established by Thomas Mayler’s spear in the waters of medieval Dublin.”

Ms McCaffrey added that the re-enactment is symbolic of Dublin Port’s continued commitment to preserving, for the city and its people, an understanding of the history that binds the port and the city.