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21/07/2008
Six RIR Soldiers Hit In Taleban Attack
As one of Northern Ireland's best-known newspapers, the Belfast Telegraph, began a series of 'war zone' reports today from Afghanistan, six Royal Irish Regiment soldiers have been injured in an attack by the Taliban.
Coming just 24 hours after it was revealed another member of the Regiment lost a leg in an earlier attack in the country's Helmand province, it will further highlight the dangerous assignment for local and national RIR members.
More than 500 soldiers from Northern Ireland are now five months into a tour of duty in one of the world's most dangerous war zones.
Troops from the Royal Irish 1st battalion (pictured) are serving alongside the 2nd and 3rd battalion of the Parachute Regiment and 5 Royal Scots to form the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Soldiers from the Royal Irish 2nd battalion are providing protection at the British Army's biggest military base in Helmand province - Camp Bastion.
And earlier this month they were joined by 62 TA reservists from 204 Squadron (North Irish) Field Hospital who will be providing medical assistance at the base.
The latest attacks come just hours after Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a surprise visit to UK troops serving in another hot spot, southern Iraq and follows visits to Afghanistan itself by Northern Ireland politicians including First Minister Peter Robinson, his DUP colleague and ex UDR soldier Jeffrey Donaldson and former UDR Major, the Ulster Unionist peer, Lord Ken Maginnis, last month.
(BMcC)
Coming just 24 hours after it was revealed another member of the Regiment lost a leg in an earlier attack in the country's Helmand province, it will further highlight the dangerous assignment for local and national RIR members.
More than 500 soldiers from Northern Ireland are now five months into a tour of duty in one of the world's most dangerous war zones.
Troops from the Royal Irish 1st battalion (pictured) are serving alongside the 2nd and 3rd battalion of the Parachute Regiment and 5 Royal Scots to form the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Soldiers from the Royal Irish 2nd battalion are providing protection at the British Army's biggest military base in Helmand province - Camp Bastion.
And earlier this month they were joined by 62 TA reservists from 204 Squadron (North Irish) Field Hospital who will be providing medical assistance at the base.
The latest attacks come just hours after Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a surprise visit to UK troops serving in another hot spot, southern Iraq and follows visits to Afghanistan itself by Northern Ireland politicians including First Minister Peter Robinson, his DUP colleague and ex UDR soldier Jeffrey Donaldson and former UDR Major, the Ulster Unionist peer, Lord Ken Maginnis, last month.
(BMcC)
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14 February 2011
'News Blackout' Over NI Soldier's Injuries
News of two further accidental deaths in Afghanistan means that three British soldiers have now died in accidents in just over 10 days - one being a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier from Bangor, Co Down. Now - in another apparent accident - a Co Antrim soldier has been been badly wounded during training last week.
'News Blackout' Over NI Soldier's Injuries
News of two further accidental deaths in Afghanistan means that three British soldiers have now died in accidents in just over 10 days - one being a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier from Bangor, Co Down. Now - in another apparent accident - a Co Antrim soldier has been been badly wounded during training last week.
10 March 2006
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
09 March 2006
RIR soldiers to receive £250m in redundancy package
The Government has announced that a total of £250 million will be given in redundancy packages for 3,000 Northern Ireland Royal Irish Regiment soldiers. Defence Minister Adam Ingram has revealed that full-time soldiers are to receive a payment of £28,000, which will include a tax-free redundancy payment and a pension.
RIR soldiers to receive £250m in redundancy package
The Government has announced that a total of £250 million will be given in redundancy packages for 3,000 Northern Ireland Royal Irish Regiment soldiers. Defence Minister Adam Ingram has revealed that full-time soldiers are to receive a payment of £28,000, which will include a tax-free redundancy payment and a pension.
10 October 2011
Robinson Welcomes Homecoming Troops
There have been double celebrations over the weekend as hundreds lined the streets to honour soldiers who have just returned from a difficult tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Robinson Welcomes Homecoming Troops
There have been double celebrations over the weekend as hundreds lined the streets to honour soldiers who have just returned from a difficult tour of duty in Afghanistan.
07 October 2011
Alert Fails To Halt Combat Soldiers' Welcome
Military personnel from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards and 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment are in Northern Ireland for a number of key events this weekend with a parade and display taking place this afternoon.
Alert Fails To Halt Combat Soldiers' Welcome
Military personnel from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards and 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment are in Northern Ireland for a number of key events this weekend with a parade and display taking place this afternoon.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
