A Brief History of The North Down (RUR) Branch The Royal Irish Rangers Association

                                                                             


The first meeting took place in the Royal British Legion, Newtownards on Wednesday 3rd December 1980. Mr Joe Leckey RUR Association Belfast Presided. The branch was called The North Down Branch Royal Ulster Rifles Association. Mr G H Baird was elected Chairman and Mr R McCartney sectary. The branch ordered its first standard in February 1981 at a cost of £125. The standard was received by the branch and dedicated at a service held in movillia camp on 25th October 1981 by Rev Caldwell Chaplin to the RUR association. In January

1985 Mr L Quinn became chairman and Mr D Neilson took over the duties of secretary. Mr Nelson left in May of that year and Mr Roy McCartney again took over the duties of secretary. The chairman Mr L Quinn resigned as chairman in September and Mr E H O'Neill was elected chairman. In 1986 Mr Eddie O'Neill was elected as branch President, a position he held with great dignity until his passing. 1987 Saw the passing of Mr Billy Hull, Billy was named in the book " Colonel Paddy " as batman to LT Col Blair Mayne DSC. Having served with the RUR and SAS during WW2

 
Branch Life continued meeting, social events and fund raising.Mr V Armstrong was elected chairman in January 1990 and the branch held a 10th Anniversary function in Movilla Camp on 1st December 1990 The event was a great success.
In 1991 the branch moved its meetings to Movilla Camp where they were well treated by the officers and men of B Coy 5 Rangers.
In November 1991 the branch members led by Roy McCartney Presented  the WOs & SGTS Mess with a framed picture of The Royal Irish Fusilers at Dublin Castle, WO2 Hughie McKeown accepted the gift on behalf of the mess and a very good evening followed.
In January 1992 Joe McFerran instigated a debate about the future and suggested that members should consider becoming a branch of The Royal Irish Rangers Association in a bid to attract new members.
In February 1992 the branch decides to change to a Royal Irish Rangers Association Branch, and decides to seek permission to keep the (RUR) in the title marking its history.
The Branch name became The North Down (RUR) Branch The Royal Irish Rangers Association.
 

 
Fund raising began immediately to get a new standard and on Saturday 19th September 1992 at Movilla camp the branch led by the Northern Ireland Staff Band paraded the new standard. The inspecting officer Then Major General R N Wheeler CBE Standard bearer and escorts commanded by WO1 (RSM) W Laverty. Following a very successful parade members and guests a total of 120 sat down to a 5 course meal speeches pipe sets and an evening of entertainment.
 
The branch continued to meet and have social occasions supporting the Rangers Coy.
In March 1993 Branch members turn out in style and show TA soldiers how a Paddy's Day parade should be done.Old Soldiers just march on like they had never been away.
1995 and the branch are represented at the Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle and also at the banquet, Branch also took part in VE and VJ parades and celebrations.
The branch was honoured by a visit to the branch meeting by Sir Rodger Wheeler CBE. The Branch presented the General with a gift to mark the occasion.
Mr Terry Russell becomes branch chairman in January 1996
 
 
In 1997 the branch commissioned a local artist Alison Brown to paint a scene of the Royal Irish Rangers parading in Conway Square, Newtownards to receive the freedom of the borough. She provided a very fine piece and the branch had a social evening and handed the painting over to PSAO "B" Coy. Capt Mick Speers and WO1 (RSM)  S.Mitcheil
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