Units’ Annual Mass and Wreath Laying Ceremony – 13 November
The 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, 13 November. Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd), assisted by the 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association, planned, organised and coordinated the successful Remembrance Day.
The Second-in-Command and Executive Officer 2 Brigade, Colonel Patrick White was the presiding Gunner Officer. Commandant Richard Armstrong (Retd) welcomed the attendees which included Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Hanley Regimental Commander 2 Artillery Regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel Damien Power School Commandant The Artillery School. The celebrant was Rev Fr Robert McCabe. Regimental Sergeant-Major Martin Byrne (Retd) was i/c Colour Party. The organist Susan Keane was accompanied by her sisters Sally and Clare. The IUNVA Pipe Band, with Sergeant Michael Maher (Retd) as the Pipe Major, and Instrumentalists from the Defence Forces School of Music rendered musical honours.
Following the Mass, a Wreath Laying Ceremony took place at the Flag Pole. Lieutenant Teresa Hudson (Army Reserve) was the Master of Ceremonies. Wreaths were laid by Colonel Patrick White on behalf of the artillery units, by Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd) on behalf of the Artillery Club, by the 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association, the 2 Air Defence Battery (FCA), the Dublin Artillery Association, and by families of Artillery Gunners who died in service.
“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.”
BQMS Paul Glifford coordinated the ceremonial. Sergeant Michael Maher (Retd) played a Piper’s Lament, and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Sergeant Liam O’Driscoll and Bands Woman Aoifa Garry. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the National Anthem by the IUNVA’s Pipe Band.
Unfortunately, on account of Government restrictions associated with Covid-19, unlike previous years, attendees were unable to avail of refreshments in the Catering Complex.
Despite the prevailing Covid-19 environment, 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.
Finally, 13 November 2021 marked the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association, Twitter handle: @2farassociation
Photographs courtesy of Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retd)
For slideshow, please click on any of the photographs
