A Mullingar man has said it is a “big honour” to be chosen to represent the Republic of Ireland at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, London this weekend.
Donal Flynn will be carrying the branch standard of the Midland Counties and Kildare branch of the British Legion at the event on Saturday, 9 November, which commemorates Remembrance Sunday.
Speaking to Topic, Donal (a son of the late Dan and Úna) said: “It is a big honour to actually be selected for this. I was surprised because I normally just attend events and funerals.
“In the Albert Hall, we parade in the main arena and we will be in the presence of King Charles III and the royal family.”
“It is remembering all those who served in the armed forces. I am the standard bearer in the Midlands Counties. Our branch is based mainly in Mullingar with 51 members at the moment.”
Representing the branch at the Royal Albert Hall will be the second honour for Donal in recent weeks, having also represented the branch at an event at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday, 2 November.
When asked about how he became interested in joining Midlands Counties and Kildare branch, Donal referenced his Kilbeggan grand-uncle, Lance Corporal Daniel Flynn.
“He was killed in World War I,” commented Donal. “He was in the Connaught Rangers and he was killed in the Battle of Kosturino on 8 December, 1915.”
“I became a member of the legion to support any veterans.
“The branch supports the veterans and our group would be aged from 15 to 98 years of age.”
A remembrance service will be held at All Saints Church, Mullingar, on Sunday, 10 November as part of Remembrance Sunday at 10.30am.
