Devendra Kumar
The Irish Guards, a regiment of the British Army, held a St Patrick’s Day parade at Mons Barracks in Hampshire, England, led by their mascot, a three-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Seamus. The parade was attended by 250 Irish Guardsmen, who gathered at the barracks along with crowds celebrating the occasion in Ireland and around the world. This was the first full parade held by the Irish Guards in nearly a year, since the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Commanding Officer James Aldridge emphasized that St Patrick’s Day was a special opportunity for the regiment to strengthen its friendships and reinforce its ethos and identity. He invited Micks of all ranks, from across the Army, past and present, and their families to join in the celebration. Aldridge saw the parade as a chance for the regimental family to come together, and welcomed everyone to the event.
Seamus, the Irish Wolfhound mascot, played an integral role in the parade, leading the procession with his handler, Drummer Ashley Dean. The crowd praised and treated Seamus for his efforts, adding a touch of authenticity to the celebration. As the parade made its way through the barracks, the crowd was filled with laughter and chatter as the Irish Guardsmen proudly displayed their uniforms and regalia.
The parade was not the only St Patrick’s Day celebration in the UK, as crowds gathered in cities across the country to mark the occasion. In Birmingham, over 50,000 people were expected to join the annual procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes, and pageantry through the city. The parade started in Hyde Park Corner and wound its way through London’s streets, ending with live performances at Trafalgar Square.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Irish Guards were determined to mark the occasion in style. The parade at Mons Barracks was a testament to their enduring spirit and camaraderie. As the parade came to a close, the crowd dispersed, but the memories of the day will linger, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Irish Guards. In a speech, Commanding Officer Aldridge emphasized the importance of the occasion, saying that it was a time to strengthen bonds and reinforce the regiment’s identity. He welcomed everyone to the parade and emphasized that it was a celebration of friendship and shared experience.