An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 17 By SGT PAT FINUCANE (RETD) Service and Remembrance: 2 Fd Arty regt AssociAtion T he month of November is a time of remembrance for the Defence Forces every year. Wherever Irish soldiers are based, former and serving personnel meet to celebrate and remember their fallen comrades. the 2 Fd Arty Regt (FAR) were one such group who would traditionally join in remembrance with retired members and the families of those who have lost loved ones. In November 2011, as former colleagues renewed old friendships, it was the absence of many former regimental personnel that drew the greatest interest. As the evening progressed it soon became obvious that personnel had vastly differing experiences after leaving the service: some had achieved personal and profes- sional success but others had a more difficult experience. It was in this context that the idea of establishing a regimental association was first discussed and the inaugural meeting of the 2 FAR Association took place in McKee Bks Privates' Mess in January 2012. While there are several associations for former service personnel (such as ONE), to which they are affiliated, the 2 FAR Association centres its membership on personnel who have served within the regiment. It was with such considerations that the aims and objectives were set out by the Association Committee: to bring its members together for mutual benefit and support; to encourage and maintain comradeship with 2 AR; to provide a means for members to communicate and mutually support each other and to promote the values and esprit de corps of the Defence Forces. The 2 FAR Association has continued to meet on a regular basis and member- ship is constantly on the increase. As a result new friendships are being forged amongst gunners who served from the 70's right up to the present day. To date the association has paraded at several high-profile events such as the National Day of Commemoration, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and Islandbridge. In addition, the association has created an international footprint when it paraded at events in London and Toronto. Such formal events are always well attended, but it is the other activities, such as the annual pig roast (held last year in Fenton's in the Glen of Imaal), that allow the members to mix in a more informal capacity. While much has been done by former members, the assistance provided to the association by those still serving has been invaluable. The invitation extended on behalf of OC 2 AR to attend a recent 105mm shoot was warmly accepted by the association, and the welcome extended by the Chief of Staff Lt Gen Conor O'Boyle (former OC 2 Fd Arty Regt) on Cemetery Hill reinforced the point that association members will always be welcome in the Glen. Although the regiment will continue to evolve and change, the bonds forged in service will remain and with the continued support of our colleagues in the Defence Forces the 2 FAR Association will also evolve and grow and continue to provide support to our fellow gunners. 2 FARA colours 2 FARA members on parade 2 Fd Arty Regt, circa 1990 2 Artillery Regiment 2013

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