|
|
Carn man to march on Fifth Avenue
19.02.10
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
CARNDONAGH man John McCandless will realise a
lifetime ambition when he marches on Fifth Avenue
during the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade next
month.
McCandless, a member of the Reserve Defence Force,
joins six other Inishowen soldiers, who will be
among the first Irish army grouping to march on
America soil since 1963, when John F. Kennedy was
president.
They have been extended the historic invitation in
acknowledgement of the honour shown by the Irish
58th Reserve Infantry Battalion to Mayor of New
York, Michael Bloomberg, and Major General Vincent E
Boles during a visit to Sligo last year.
The high-profile Americans had visited Ballymote in
2009 to pay tribute to Michael Corcoran, one of the
most prominent leaders of the infamous ‘Fighting
Irish’ 69th Regiment, who lead the parade every
year. |
Speaking to the
Inishowen Independent this week, John McCandless
said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be
part of the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade
in Manhattan.
“It is a fantastic honour for us to be part of the
celebrations in New York. It is the first time ever
that the RDF have taken part in anything official
outside Ireland,” he said.
“It shows the esteem that the Americans hold for the
Irish Defence Forces. |
 |
It will be a momentous
occasion for us to be involved in.”
John, who flys out to the Big Apple on March 14,
said that his company will be training intensely
ahead of the 249th New York St. Patrick’s Day
extravaganza next month.
“We are representing our country so there is no room
for error. We will begin preparations in earnest
this week to make sure that everything runs smoothly
on the day,” he said.
John and company, who will stay in Manhattan for
five nights, say they plan to present a token of
gratitude to the ‘Fighting Irish’ 69th Regiment.
“We will make a special presentation but it won’t be
shamrocks as they’re not allowed on the plane!” he
joked.
Other Inishowen members of the RDF taking part in
the parade are: Marie Grant, Buncrana; Anne-Marie
McColgan, Malin; Linda Grant, Buncrana; Damien
Downey, Buncrana; Sean Quinn, Bridgend; and Brian
McGilloway, Malin. |
|
