10th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit to Ireland

Ten years ago, this week Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her late husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh made an official state visit to Ireland at the invitation of then President Mary McAleese, from 17 to 20 May 2011. Óglaigh na hÉireann played a significant role in the visit being both deployed in security operations around the country and also providing ceremonial elements at many locations. The visit commenced with her landing at Casement Aerdrome, Baldonnel and receiving a ceremonial honour guard as she disembarked the aeroplane. The visiting party were escorted to Aras an Uachtarán by a motorcycle escort of honour drawn from 2 Cavalry Squadron. At Aras an Uachtarán Her Majesty inspected a tri-service guard of honour provided by 5 Infantry Battalion, Naval Service and Air Corps. 2 Field Artillery Regiment provided a gun-salute and music was provided by a composite band from the three bands of the Defence Forces under the baton of Lt Col Mark Armstrong. The Air Corps conducted a fly past during the National Anthem. At the Garden of Remembrance, the Defence Forces elements consisted of a Cadet Honour Guard, Military Police Wreath Bearers, National Flag Officer, composite band and a poem "I had a Vision" was recited by Captain Joe Freeley. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth also visited the National War Memorial Gardens where many veteran's association were in attendance. A piper played as wreaths were laid and a cadet honour guard rendered honours. At her visit to the National Stud four members of the Equitation School were on parade. At her departure from Cork Airport an honour guard was provided by 4th Infantry Battalion.