This is my report for the Royal British Legion Annual Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying held at the National War Memorial Gardens Islandbridge on Saturday 7th of July 2018. There was not a large attendance from the Irish naval Association due to the fact that Collins Barracks was on the next day. It was unfortunate that we had nobody available to carry our Colours. The weather was very kind to us with the Temperature up around 25/27 degrees. I laid a wreath on behalf of the INA. There was a very large turnout from the North of Ireland Royal British Legion Branches in my opinion out numbering the Branches from the South

Sunday 8/7/18
A very large number of members from the Irish Naval Association approx 50 or more from Dublin and Limerick along with their wife's and partners attended the National day of Commemoration held in Collins Barracks in Dublin The Ceremony was moved from Kilmainham because the Kilmainham Hospital was going under some restoration.Their were eight different religious representatives who officiated in the Ceremony. Music was provide by the Army # 1 band conducted by Captain Brian Pendergast and the soloist was Ms Sandra Oman.There were two Guards of Honour one called the Captains Guard which our President Michael D Higgins Inspected and one made up by the Cadets Honour Guard. The President laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland after which a minutes silence was observed which was terminated by the firing of a cannon. To conclude the Ceremony the Air Corps had a fly past.After the Ceremony all the precipitants retired to a Marque which was set up on one of the Squares where there was no shortages of food and drink. There were no Pint Glasses so all the lads got their Guinness in wine Glasses two each every time they went up for a drink. A great day was had by all.

Bryan Gildea
President of the Irish Naval Association