CATCH UP WITH 2 R IRISH

2 R Irish have again had an extremely busy couple of months, with a variety of training and community engagement events:

2 R IRISH led the way in the recent NI catering competition, Ex Shamrock Caterer.  Up against some fine Regular chefs, the Reservists produced an excellent field kitchen and some delicious meals.  The team were runner-up in the ‘Improvised’ category, presenting an excellent meal, which was judged by a local internationally acclaimed chef from Hillsborough who owns several high class restaurants in N Ireland. 

 

2 R IRISH Mortar Platoon deployed to Warcop Training Area to train alongside their Regular counterparts from 1 R IRISH.  This integration package involved live firing and weapon skills, and was run by 1 R IRISH.  Although a  number of soldiers achieved a mortar qualification, the real benefit was the partnership between the two Battalions.

The Regiment, along with the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, have taken part in a number of engagement events over May. Notably, the Regiment supported the Commemoration of the Belfast Blitz, with the Pipes and Drums leading a parade to the ‘Oval’ football ground – which took the brunt of the air raids.

The Band and Pipes and Drums also took part in the Annual Hitler Line Parade to commemorate those who fought and lost their lives at the battle on 21 May 1916.

2 R IRISH Reservists spent a recent weekend at Ballykinler Training Camp honing their skills in preparation for a two week deployment on Ex LION STAR in Cyprus.   Training covered all aspects of the deployment, from CBRN training, patrolling and fitness to some last minute marksmanship skills. 

Members of the Regiment took part in the 38 (Irish) Bde Adventure Training Ex TOUBKAL Finn.  Tubkal is a mountain peak in south western Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park.  At 4,167 metres, it is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa.