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Royal Irish Honoured in Bangor Prior to Afghan Tour

11 April 2010

More than two hundred soldiers, cadets and old comrades paraded through Bangor on Saturday 10 April as the Royal Irish Regiment exercised their right to march in North Down as Freemen of the Borough.   

The Royal Irish Regiment was granted the Freedom of North Down in September 2004 but this is the first time that the Regiment, the last remaining Irish infantry regiment of the line, has been able to exercise its Freedom.  The timing is particularly poignant as the Regiment prepares for a six-month tour of Afghanistan in August. 

Mayor of North Down, Councillor Tony Hill had the honour of inspecting the officers and soldiers on parade and commented: “It is with great pride that I attend this Parade Ground today and view the magnificent military display.  North Down Borough Council is delighted to host this Freedom Parade and allow the Royal Irish Regiment to exercise their rights as Freemen of the Borough, prior to their forthcoming tour in Afghanistan.  We trust that today will prove memorable for all those participating.  Council, and the people of the Borough, will certainly remember it as an occasion when a small tribute was paid to an outstanding Regiment, that has been instrumental to making Northern Ireland a more peaceful and prosperous society.  As you prepare for a six-month tour of Helmand Province, we want particularly to thank you for your bravery and gallantry.” 

Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir Philip Trousdell KBE CB added: “Being allowed to exercise the Freedom that has been bestowed upon the Regiment is a great honour but it is much more than that.  It demonstrates the vital support that the community gives to those volunteers who stand upon the ramparts of its freedom.  Soldiers are not some alien breed apart, they are people of the community who have stepped forward to do what democracy asks of them.  That task is made so much easier when the support of the community is made so evident.  What is happening today will be of enduring value during the deployment in Afghanistan, which starts this autumn and I am deeply grateful to all those who have made it possible.”

The parade, led by Regimental Mascot Brian Boru VIII, along with musicians from the Royal Irish Band (TA) and Bugles, Pipes and Drums, travelled from Main Street to High Street and finally into Hamilton Road in Bangor.  Many people lined the route in a show of support for the Regiment.     

Commanding Officer 1 R IRISH Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, commented: “In 2004 North Down Borough Council conferred the huge honour of the Freedom of the Borough on the Royal Irish Regiment and we are acutely conscious of the trust and high regard for the Regiment that this honour infers.  In years gone by, the freedom to enter a City or Borough would only have been granted to those military units who held the trust and confidence of the residents of that City or Borough.

“Today, as we formally exercise our Freedom, and as the Royal Irish Regiment enters its final phase of preparations to deploy again to Afghanistan, that continuing trust, confidence and support is tremendously important to us. Knowing that the people of North Down in particular, and the whole island of Ireland in general, support us as we prepare to face the dangers in Helmand Province is so important for our sense of well being and for the morale of the whole Regiment.

“The soldiers and officers of the Regiment understand well the risks they will face in the coming months and they are steadfast in their resolve to deal with those risks, believing fully that by their intervention in Afghanistan they will clear the way for a better future for the people of that country.  But the Regiment cannot do that without the support of the people at home. Today we also officially launch our Regimental wristband campaign.  Proceeds from the sale of the wristbands will go directly towards supporting members of the Regiment and their families in the event of hardship as a result of service.  In 2008 we were able to do so much more for our wounded and their families as a result of the generous donations of people buying and wearing a Royal Irish wrist band. Please wear a wristband to show you support your Regiment."

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