An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 Cobh ST PaTRiCk'S Day PaRaDe 2015 The largest crowd ever attended this years St Patrick's Day Parade in Cobh and beneath a clear blue sky, with glorious sunshine, thoroughly enjoyed what was unquestionably the biggest and best one ever held in the town. A greater number of groups took part and there were some very imaginative floats. The Cobh Branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) provided a 'Colour Party' and under its Branch Parade Marshal, John Walsh, led the parade through the town, commencing at the Heritage Centre and finishing at the Old Town Hall. Cobh's Joe Devlin, complete with crozier, for the tenth year in succession, played a superb role as St Patrick! Photo: Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh FS. (PRO Cobh Branch of ONE) feRMoy'S WW1 liNkS To gueRNSey The Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr Dan Mulhall, and members of the Defence Forces participated in Guernsey's 100 year commemoration of their militia men leaving the Channel Islands to come to Fermoy to train for World War 1. Over 250 Guernsey men travelled to Fermoy to join D Company of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR), garrisoned in Fermoy, on the 4th March 1915. Members of the 1 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, currently headquartered in Collins Barracks, Cork, participated in the commemoration due to their unit's link to Fermoy, having been based there from 1948 to 1998. Ambassador Mulhall noted that one of the important connections between Ireland and Guernsey, other than our membership of the British-Irish Council, was this intriguing historical link between Fermoy and Guernsey and the fact that their men fought side-by-side during World War 1. The Defence Forces contributed a Colour Party to the commemorative parade (see photo), from the site of the Old Militia barracks to St Peter's port, Guernsey, in order to cultivate the historical link and heritage between the Republic of Ireland and Guernsey. This commemoration event helped to highlight the historical ties between Ireland and Guernsey and, in particular, the town of Fermoy. About one-third of the Guernsey members of the RIR died on the Western Front during WW1. The survivors were keen to retain their regimental links and after the war set up the Guernsey Sporting Club, which still exists. Flag Party: Lt Eoin Carrol, Sgt Marcus Aherne and Sgt Martin Ormonde with the national colours at St Peters Port, Guernsey. Photos: Peter Frankland & Comdt Pat O'Connor

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