Saint Barbara: The Artillery School’s Annual Prayer Service
‘Be at the bursting doors of doom and in the dark deliver us’
As Saint Barbara’s Day falls on a Sunday, The Artillery School’s Annual Prayer Service in honour of Saint Barbara, Patron Saint of The Artillery Corps and Gunners worldwide, took place on Thursday 01 December. The School Commandant is Lieutenant-Colonel Noel Maher and Regimental Sergeant-Major Eric Byrne is the Regimental Sergeant-Major for The Artillery Corps and The Artillery School. Personnel of The Artillery Corps and The Artillery School.
Lieutenant-Colonel Noel Maher welcomed all attendees which included Colonel Tom O’Callaghan 2 I/C & Executive Officer 1 Brigade and Colonel Patrick White 2 í/C & Executive Officer 2 Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Hanley (P) and Lieutenant-Colonel Shane Bradley Combat Support and ISTAR Directorate, and numerous retired Gunners of all ranks. Members of the Artillery Club were also in attendance including its President, Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd).
Fr P.J. Somers CF and Rev Earl Story CF conducted the Prayer Service at St Barbara’s Monument, which was followed by an overview of Saint Barbara presented by Lieutenant Ian McCormack, 96 Cadet Class and 56 Young Officers’ Course. The ceremony concluded with the firing of the two Miniature Guns by Captain Patrick Molloy, Ordnance Corps.
Both serving and retired Gunners of all ranks adjourned to the NCOs’ Mess for an enjoyable reception hosted by The Artillery School.
Presentation of Photograph and Wood Carving – 14 Battery (FCA)
Following the Prayer Service, Corporal Joe Delaney (Retd) accompanied by Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd), 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association, presented a photograph, published on the front page of the Irish Times in July 1976, featuring the 14 Battery (FCA), 2 Field Artillery Regiment firing the 4.5inch Howitzer in Brennan’s Farm Gun Position, as part of the Regiment’s annual shoot with the 10 Battery and 19 Battery (FCA).
BQMS Seamus Stone, who is featured in the photograph as a Gun Number 1, commissioned Mr Nicholas Ryan to make a wood carving of the photograph, which was also presented to The Artillery School by Corporal Joe Delaney (Retd).
Photographs courtesy of Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd)
To view slide show, please click on first photograph: http://
