Royal Irish Regiment's beloved Irish wolfhound mascot Brian Boru X dies aged eight
The Royal Irish Regiment's iconic mascot Ranger Brian Boru X, affectionately known as Conrí, has died.
The much-loved Irish wolfhound, whose pet name Conrí means Wolf King, died aged eight years old.
The Royal Irish Regiment said: "It is the regiment's sad duty to report that Brian Boru X, affectionately known as Conrí, died on Saturday 6 July 2024.
"Conrí has been the regimental mascot since May 2016."
Many dog lovers have taken to social media to express their sadness over the news of Conrí's death.
The Irish wolfhound, whose handler was Wolfhound Major Robert Moore, served as an official soldier with his own ID card and security clearance.
With eye-catching light-coloured fur, Conrí was the regiment's first 'blond' mascot and was born in Dublin on 11 January 2016.
Used to taking part in military ceremonies with soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, Conrí had his own official uniform – a green coat with silver lace, a silver braid lead plus a sterling breastplate brooch worn at the neck of the coat, and the choice of two collars.
On 17 March 2024, the Duchess of Edinburgh met Conrí during her visit to 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment in Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn.
The Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards share the Irish wolfhound, the tallest dog breed in the world, as their official mascot.
The first mascot of the Royal Irish Regiment was named Brian Boru after Brian Bóramha, the King of Munster and High King of Ireland, who was killed in the Battle of Clontarf.
Each succeeding Irish wolfhound inherits the same name with the addition of a different Roman numeral.
Conrí, whose kennel name was Ronan of Nutstown, turned eight in January and celebrated with bone-shaped treats.
One of Conrí's first appearances at just five months old was at Dundonald Primary School in June 2016 where the children chose Conrí as his pet name.
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