Historic Royal Irish Regiment Laying up of Colours parade in Ballymena

A historic Laying up of Colours ceremony and parade have taken place in Ballymena, reaffirming the Royal Irish Regiment's significant links to the town in Northern Ireland.

The regiment exercised its Freedom of the town for a parade before laying up 1st Battalion's Colours in St Patrick's Church.

Guards were formed from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, as well as a third from the regimental associations and a guard from the affiliated cadet units.

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The parade through the town centre featured approximately 300 current service personnel, veterans and cadets.

It was supported by the Regimental Mascot, the Band of The Royal Irish Regiment, the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of both battalions and Campbell College Pipes and Drums.

After the parade formed up at St Patrick's Church a salute was taken by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant on Wellington Street.

Story of Colours

Armies have carried an identifying emblem since ancient times.

The use of the word "Colours" first appeared in 16th century Europe and came to be associated with the King's Flag, which was first regulated in 1747.

Today, the artwork for new designs is prepared at the College of Arms by heraldic artists, signed by the Inspector of Regimental Colours and then submitted to His Majesty the King for formal approval.

Each modern Colour carries the number of the battalion in the centre and in the upper canton nearest the Pike in the Regimental Colour.

The Regimental Colour is "Faugh-a-Ballagh" or "Clear the Way" dating back to the Battle of Barrosa during the Peninsular War in 1811.