About Andrew Cusack
Writer, web designer, etc.; born in New York; educated in Argentina, Scotland, and South Africa; now based in London. read more
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Hail Glorious Saint Patrick
THE FEAST OF IRELAND’S patron saint is an occasion for parading if ever there was one. For this, we can send part of our thanks to the British Army, which happened to initiate the most famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade of them all, namely, New York’s. It was 1762 when a number of Irish troops in the service of the Crown took it upon themselves to parade up Gotham’s own Broadway on the 17th of March. (More recently, the Duke of Edinburgh was invited to partake in the New York parade during his 1966 visit to America). Despite the lamentable outbreak of separatist republicanism in much of Ireland, the sons of Erin continue to take the Queen’s shilling and serve proudly in Her Majesty’s forces, and true to form they are sure to mark their patron’s feast day.
1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment holds an annual parade at their base of Fort George in the Highlands. (In one of those curious situations which makes one wonder who runs the British Army, the Royal Irish are based in the Highlands, while the Black Watch, that most proud of Highland units, can be found at Palace Barracks, Belfast). Above, Brian Boru, the mascot of the Royal Irish Regiment, marches in the parade ahead of the regimental band.
The RIR took it upon themselves to festoon with shamrocks a recent addition to the collection of regimental booty. And below, a lone piper of the Royal Irish, at Fort George.
Meanwhile, another battalion of the Royal Irish parades in somewhat less familiar surrounds.
Down in London, the Irish Guards have their own traditions, foremost among them the wearing of fresh shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day. When the late Queen Mother was Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards she never missed the opportunity to hand out shamrocks to ‘the Micks’, as they are affectionately known. The current Colonel-in-Chief is James Hamilton, the 5th Duke of Abercorn, who is a Knight of the Garter, the Lord Steward of the Household, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone, as well as one of the largest landowners in Ulster. Another nice tradition of the Irish Guards is a celebratory meal held after the day’s church service and parade, in which the enlisted men are waited upon by the officers and sergeants.
Above, the London statue of Field Marshal the Earl Alexander is festooned with shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day. Below, the Duchess of Abercorn dons her shamrocks, along with the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel and Major Melotte.
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“(In one of those curious situations which makes one wonder who runs the British Army, the Royal Irish are based in the Highlands, while the Black Watch, that most proud of Highland units, can be found at Palace Barracks, Belfast)”
Standard imperial practice – look to the Romans and their “national” legions who never served in their home province.
Of course a Scots regiment in Ulster is not so strange given the Scots origins of much of the population (Prod).
Oof, way to lower the tone with that bigotry.
We should be – in the spirit of the Royal Irish – looking for a grand reconciliation and reunion of all races and creeds on the British isles.
I didn’t think the comment was meant to bigoted; at least I certainly didn’t take it that way. Have a good sit, and calm yourself!
Ummm…love that blue frock coat uniform on the Reg. Lt. Col. in the loweest photo.
Snazzy!
A few of my good friends served in the Royal Irish Rangers. This regiment had a good mix of Catholic and Protestant lads. They got on very well and had no problems.
And together these lads really knew how to party on St.Patricks Day.
I attend Mass first, then play the pipes in the parade and last but not least, I have dinner and a few pints.
Thank you for featuring the Royal Irish on your site.
Dave
Faugh a Ballagh
I wouldn’t ever serve the British just to be used like a pawn in robbing other people’s countries.The British army have nothing to be proud of.
Irishmen have been serving the British Crown for centuries with distinction and honour .The British Army also have much to be proud of including those Irishmen who have served in its ranks.
Bigotry of your closest neighbours helps nobody,England gave my family a home in the twenties and 4 generations of my family since have been proud to serve in it’s Armed Forces.
Faugh a Ballagh
Actually, It is the same battalion but two different years. The Inverness parade was 2006 and the
“somewhat less familiar surrounds”
Kuwait parade was 2003. Both, The First Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.
Faugh a Ballagh!
(I was there both times)