Local pride as Irish Guards mark 125th anniversary with parade in Bangor

Members of the Irish Guards have paraded through the streets of Bangor as the regiment marks its 125th anniversary.

Crowds lined the route as the regimental mascot Seamus the wolfhound led the parade.

It was part of a series of events across Northern Ireland which culminated in the laying up of the regiment’s old colours in St Mark’s Church in Belfast.

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The Irish Guards was stood up on April 1, 1900 to commemorate Irishmen who fought in the Second Boer War.

The Micks – as they are affectionately known – are based at Aldershot Barracks and the regiment has been deployed in every major war fought by the British Army since its creation.

Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards Lieutenant Colonel Ben Irwin-Clark said: “It’s a really exciting year for us.

“But also, it just gives us an opportunity to reflect not only on the achievements of the regiment and of course the loss and the sacrifice of the regiment - so there's this sort of solemn side - but also just the fantastic pomp and circumstance and wonderful recent history of the regiment.

“And to be able to do that here in on the island of Ireland is an absolute honour.”

The parade followed a number of public events by the regiment including a beating the retreat at Carrickfergus Castle and an act of Remembrance at Belfast City Cenotaph.

Major Steve McMichael said: “It means a great deal to the regiment.

"It's a milestone in our history and to bring 220 Irish Guards back to Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland is tremendous and they're glad to be back home.

"It’s really important because this is coming back to your heritage, traditions, so therefore I think it's really important that we showcase to the public in Northern Ireland what we are all about.”

For some of the soldiers on parade it was a homecoming, with the city of Bangor a key part of the recruiting area for the regiment.

Guardsman Aryan Joshi said: “It's a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

“It's very odd feeling to be out on the streets I was playing about in.

“I was back not too long ago for a holiday and it's weird coming down High Street, marching along, and it’s quite class.

“I did see quite a few folks I knew actually – a few family, a few friends.

“I'm very, very honoured that I've joined at the time I have and I've had this opportunity to come here and do this."

“It feels special,” Guardsman Jason Riley added.

“I've walked around the streets that we've been parading as a civvy and as a child, and to be back here marching through the streets as the Irish Guards as on the 125th anniversary – it’s an unreal experience.

“I feel proud, very proud.”