Lord Mayor of Dublin Invested as Admiral of Dublin Port

7 March 2025

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain took to the waters of Dublin Bay to perform the casting of the spear tradition to become the ceremonial Lord Admiral of Dublin Port, alongside Barry O’Connell, Dublin Port Chief Executive.

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.  Centuries later, the re-enactment ceremony reminds us of Dublin’s position 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.

The Casting of the Spear was part of a Dublin Port Community event with local water-based clubs at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. This gave the opportunity for the Lord Mayor to meet with representatives from eight different clubs including Stella Maris and St. Patrick’s Rowing Clubs, Poolbeg and Clontarf Yacht Clubs, 1st Port Sea Scouts, East Wall Water Sports and the Half Moon Swimming Club.

Photographs by: Robbie Reynolds