Thousands pack Ballymena for Royal Irish parade

A town centre usually at the hub of retail activity was transformed last Friday evening into a sea of people agthered to welcome home to the troops of the Royal Irish Regiment after another arduous tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Bright sunshine added to a colourful occasion as towns people were joined by visitors from further afield to pay tribute to the soldiers, many of whom hail from the local area.

And the scale of the welcome was hailed by the Deputy Colonel of the Regiment, Mark Campbell who praised the people of the town for supporting the troops and recognising their bravery in Afghanistan.

Around 200 troops from the Royal Irish 1st and 2nd Battalions took part in the parade. They were led by the Regimental Band - but the latest ‘Brain Boru’ mascot was not earmarked for duty. Apparently the recently recruited Irish Wolfhound is still in training for ceremonial duties! Instead the parade was led by the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Colin Weir.

During the six-month tour of Afghanistan, the Regiment tragically lost three men — Ranger Aaron McCormick, Ranger David Dalzell and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee.

Some of the deceased’s relatives attended the parade which Deputy Colonel Campbell said brought a note of sadness to the evening.

“There are two tones to this evening,” he said. “We are very grateful to the Borough of Ballymena in recognising the commitment and courage of our soldiers.

“When you are in Afghanistan it is an arduous tour, especially being away from their families, so it means a lot to them. But clearly it is tinged with sadness in remembering those colleagues who did not return.”

He added: “Ballymena is a very special place for the Royal Irish as our home and depot was at St Patrick’s Barracks here for years until 2008.”

The armed troops formed a colourful procession carrying flags showing the regimental battle honours and were accompanied by the sound of the Royal Irish Regimental Band.

The 10-minute parade weaved its way to and from The Braid in Ballymena, where a reception was later held.

Newly elected Assembly man Paul Frew also heaped praise on local people for their turn-out.

“It was an amazing atmosphere and it shows just how much the people of Ballymena respect and support the role that the Royal Irish play in providing national security for our country and for our allies throughout the world.”

Cllr Frew who served in what is now called ‘2 Royal Irish’ said he was proud he to see colleagues who served and trained alongside him in the parade.

“Some of my mates have seen action in Afghanistan and Iraq and i cannot stress enough how proud I am of them , like me they are getting on a bit but their desire burns brightly and their fitness and professionalism shines out ,the younger soldiers will learn alot from these men and like me they would have been based in Ballymena for a while so they have Ballymena in their hearts .”

He was joined in his sentiments by the UUP North Antrim Assmeblyman, Robin Swann, who said: “This weekend’s Ballymena parade was among the best attended and organized across Northern Ireland to commemorate the terrific work in Afghanistan which the Regiment has carried out so successfully.

TUV leader Jim Allister said of the troops: “We are all proud of them. It is a fitting tribute to their bravery and to their families that this parade and reception should take place.

“It seems a long time since Roy Gillespie first suggested it. While we celebrate with the local families, we remember, of course, the three Northern Ireland soldiers who laid down their lives on this tour in Afghanistan. I also think of those seriously injured, like Ranger Gillespie from Galgorm, and rejoice in his significant recovery. Their sacrifice reminds us all of how much we owe our armed services.”