News story

Royal Irish welcomed home from Afghanistan

Crowds of thousands in Shrewsbury yesterday gave a warm welcome to soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, recently returned from a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

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Around 400 soldiers and officers from the Shropshire-based battalion marched through the town to mark their return from a gruelling tour in Afghanistan which saw the loss of three soldiers. Ranger Aaron McCormick and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee were killed in action, and Ranger David Dalzell died in an operational accident.

The route, between Shrewsbury Castle and Shirehall, was lined with well-wishers who turned out to show their appreciation for the efforts of the battalion on the front line.

During the event, a thanksgiving and memorial service was held at Shrewsbury Abbey. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, was among the guests.

The battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, said:

We have always been made to feel welcome by the people of Shropshire. After six months in Afghanistan, the parade is a fitting finale to what has been a gruelling operational deployment.

The turnout was incredible and it is extremely touching to see so many people showing their support.

Shropshire Council Chairman, Malcolm Pate, invited the regiment to parade through Shrewsbury.

He said:

The soldiers and officers of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment have faced danger on a daily basis while serving their country in Afghanistan, and sadly not all of them have made it home.

It was extremely important that the people of Shropshire turned out in force to offer their support and the parade was a wonderful and poignant occasion for all concerned.

The event followed a successful parade and service in the battalion’s hometown of Market Drayton on Monday 11 April 2011.

Published 13 April 2011