57th Annual Mass for Deceased Personnel of the Disestablished 2 Eastern Brigade Artillery Units, Saturday 08 November 2025 in McKee Barracks.
The 57th Annual Commemorative Mass for deceased personnel of the 2 Field Artillery Regiment, 62 Field Artillery Regiment (FCA), 7 Field Artillery Regiment (FCA) and 2 Air Defence Battery (FCA), took place in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, McKee Barracks on Saturday, 08 November 2025.
Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd), assisted by the 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association, planned, organised, and coordinated the successful Remembrance Day.
Colonel Denis Hanley represented units of the Artillery Corps. Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd) welcomed the attendees. Rev Fr Damien Farnon CF celebrated the Mass,
The First Reading was delivered by Battery-Sergeant Jim Keeshen (Retd), with Corporal Gerry Connolly (Retd) delivering the Second Reading. Prayers for the Faithful were offered by Sergeant Seán Rooney (Retd), Captain Peter Murray (Retd), Lieutenant Teresa Hudson (Army Reserve), and Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd).
The Roll of Honour of the following who died in the last twelve months was read by Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd): Commandant Pascal Cullen; Gunner Martin Kerwick; Sergeant Jim McNally; Commandnat John Miley; Battery Quartermaster-Sergeant Martin O’Rourke; Gunner Con Rooney; and Regiment Sergeant-Major John Wall. May They Rest in Peace.
Following the Minute Silence, Corporal Emma Lee Meegan, Defence Forces School of Music sounded the Last Post and Reveille.
Regimental Sergeant-Major Martin Byrne (Retd) was i/c Colour Party. The organist Susan Keane was accompanied by her sisters Sally and Clare. Sergeant Anthony Byrne (Retd) and Sergeant Christy O’ Brien from the IUNVA Pipe Band played Highland Cathedral and The Way Old Friends Do.
Following the Mass, a Wreath Laying Ceremony took place at the Flag Pole. The Parade Commander was Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Gilford with Lieutenant Teresa Hudson (Army Reserve) as the Master of Ceremonies. Serving personnel and members of the 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association were on Parade.
Wreaths were laid by Colonel Dennis Hanley on behalf of the Artillery Units, by Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd) on behalf of the Artillery Club, by Lieutenant-Colonel Eamonn Fogarty (Retd) on behalf of the Air Defence Regiment, by the Dublin Artillery Association, and by families of Artillery Gunners who died in service.
Thereafter, Corporal Emma Lee Meegan sounded the Last Post and Reveille, and the ceremony concluded with the National Anthem played by Sergeant Anthony Byrne (Retd).
Following the ceremony, attendees adjourned to the Catering Complex for refreshments.
As in previous years, the event was very well attended by both serving and retired personnel of the Artillery Corps and, in particular by families from the Artillery Community.
“But if fate me should call
And in action I should fall
Keep those Limbers a Rolling Along.
Then in peace I’ll abide
When I take my final ride
On a Limber that’s Rolling Along.”
Photographs courtesy of Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd).
To View Slide Show, please click on any Photograph: http://
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