CADETS ENJOY ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

On a lovely, bright but cold day, B Company, 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF) held their St Patricks Parade at Caw Army Reserve Centre.

Over 175 Army cadets and 20 Air cadets took part in the parade and a large crowd of parents and friends came along to support. The excellent music was supplied by Kildoag Pipe Band, which was very fitting as many of their pipers and drummers are the same age as the cadets.

On her arrival on the parade ground, the Inspecting Officer, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Dr Angela Garvey was presented her sprig of shamrock by the Officer Commanding B Company, Major Sam Donnell.

Dr Garvey then presented sprigs of shamrock to the cadets and staff and also to World War 2 veteran Ex Fusilier John Mullard who was attending with his granddaughter Cadet Morgan Street, a member of Lisneal Detachment.

To complete the parade the cadets removed head dress and gave a rousing three cheers for Dr Garvey and then completed a march past.

On completion of the parade everyone moved into the drill hall where they were served some Irish stew and the St Patrick’s Day Draw was held in aid of the B Company nominated charity “Jennifer’s Fund”.  When the draw was finished Major Sam Donnell presented a cheque for £5,000 to Jennifer Smyth from Eglinton.  Over £1,000 of this money was raised by two cadets, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Heather McKinley (18) (Drumahoe Detachment) and Cadet Colour Sergeant Rebekah Mahon (17) (Lisneal Detachment) who took part in a parachute jump – an excellent effort.