Her Majesty paid tribute to the bravery of the men and women of the Royal Irish Regiment during a visit to Belfast, telling them:
'You should know that your collective gallantry has secured admiration and the deepest respect throughout the land.'
 |
|
|
The Queen praised the work of the Royal Irish and the Ulster Defence Regiment during her visit to Belfast
© Press Association |
The Queen spoke at a commemorative event at the Balmoral Showground at which she presented the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to the regiment which will be disbanded in July 2006.
The honour was not just for soldiers currently serving in the province, but for all of those who had served the regiment over its 36 years, and for the families who had lost loved ones in the pursuit of peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
274 members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Royal Irish Regiment have been lost, many whilst they were off duty or after they had left their regiments.
 |
|
|
Her Majesty inspects the troops in the rain
© Press Association |
More than 9,000 serving and former members of the regiments attended the event, alongside family members.
The Queen presented the award, which is second only to the Victoria Cross, to the daughter of Corporal Trelford Withers, the last soldier to be killed by the IRA prior to the announcement of its 'complete cessation of military operations'.
 |
|
|
More than 9,000 serving and former members of the regiments attended the ceremony at the Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast
© Press Association |
Claire Withers, who is now a Corporal in her father's regiment, spoke of her pride at being presented with the honour:
"I am extremely proud to have received it from the Queen on behalf of all members of the regiment, past and present.
"I was lucky to have been picked because of my father, but I am representing everyone here today."
Following the presentation, The Queen inspected 300 soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment, accompanied by The Duke of York, who is the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief.
 |
|
|
The Queen presents the Conspicuous Gallantry Award to Corporal Claire Withers whose father was killed whilst serving in Northern Ireland
© Press Association |
Her Majesty's speech ended with a reminder of the purpose of the day's events:
'Today, we have cause to reflect upon these fine achievements while remembering the suffering. As you march off this field, you will commit this proud record to the Royal Irish Regiment into the future.'
|
