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10/10/2011
Robinson Welcomes Homecoming Troops
There have been double celebrations over the weekend as hundreds lined the streets to honour soldiers who have just returned from a difficult tour of duty in Afghanistan.
After a special 'Beating the Retreat' event was held in Belfast's King's Hall Complex on Friday, Sunday saw dignitaries including the Irish Guards Commanding Officer Lt Col Christopher Ghika pay tribute to the three Royal Irish Regiment soldiers who died during the last tour and those who had been injured.
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson joined Castlereagh Mayor Jim White, East Belfast MP Naomi Long and others for a special service for the soldiers.
The Guards received a specially minted medallion presented by Mr Robinson, Mr White and Lord Lieutenant of Co Down David Lindsay as the pipes of the Irish Guards paraded.
The day before, Newtownards town centre was packed on Saturday morning in another show of appreciation for troops returning from Afghanistan.
Around 150 members of the Irish Guards and the band of the 1st Battalion took part in the homecoming parade following a service in St Mark’s Church.
The soldiers received a rousing ovation as they took the salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down in front of Conway Square.
Both parades and thanksgiving services came after Friday's military display at Balmoral in Belfast involving both the Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment.
(BMcC)
After a special 'Beating the Retreat' event was held in Belfast's King's Hall Complex on Friday, Sunday saw dignitaries including the Irish Guards Commanding Officer Lt Col Christopher Ghika pay tribute to the three Royal Irish Regiment soldiers who died during the last tour and those who had been injured.
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson joined Castlereagh Mayor Jim White, East Belfast MP Naomi Long and others for a special service for the soldiers.
The Guards received a specially minted medallion presented by Mr Robinson, Mr White and Lord Lieutenant of Co Down David Lindsay as the pipes of the Irish Guards paraded.
The day before, Newtownards town centre was packed on Saturday morning in another show of appreciation for troops returning from Afghanistan.
Around 150 members of the Irish Guards and the band of the 1st Battalion took part in the homecoming parade following a service in St Mark’s Church.
The soldiers received a rousing ovation as they took the salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down in front of Conway Square.
Both parades and thanksgiving services came after Friday's military display at Balmoral in Belfast involving both the Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment.
(BMcC)
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Alert Fails To Halt Combat Soldiers' Welcome
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Alert Fails To Halt Combat Soldiers' Welcome
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Change Of Location For Troops Homecoming Parade
The Irish Guards and Royal Irish Regiment are to take part in a homecoming ceremony at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Showgrounds in October. The Ministry of Defence turned down an initial offer from Belfast City Council for parade through the city, citing "post-operational duties.
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Guardsman Killed In Afghanistan Named
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Two Irish Guards killed in Iraq
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
