Prince Andrew – colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment – paid tribute to the dedication and bravery of approximately 100 soldiers from the Imjin Company of the 2nd Battalion, who returned to the Province last week following a six-month stint fighting the Taliban in strife-torn Afghanistan.

Battle recalled by new march

The regards of the Duke of York were relayed to the servicemen by Lord Brookeborough – a former member of the regiment – who presented operational medals to the soldiers at Hillsborough Castle.

In front of invited guests, including family and friends, the TA personnel – dressed appropriately in desert combat uniform – looked resplendent in the Saturday afternoon sunshine as they were paraded into the estate to the skirl of bagpipes and a regimental brass band.

A grim reminder of the reality of war was openly apparent as three servicemen could not participate in the parade proceedings.

Lance Corporal Stephen Limmer who sustained a neck injury; Lance Corporal Allaster Penney nursing shrapnel wounds and Ranger Chris Campbell, who is recovering from a damaged cartilage, joined their comrades for the formal inspection and presentation.

Addressing troops after presenting medals in recognition of 30 days continual operational service in Afghanistan, Lord Brookeborough read a letter penned by the Prince which hailed the efforts of Imjin Company in the conflict situation.

The personal message said: "As your colonel-in-chief, I was delighted to hear of your operational success in Helmand province.

"The work carried out by TA soldiers from Imjin Company, 2nd Battalion was vital, both in a mentoring role working alongside personnel from the Afghan National Army and in providing enforced protection for Camp Bastion.

"I congratulate you in particular as Imjin Company was the only unit in Helmand to be made up entirely of TA soldiers, employed in a role identical to that of their regular counterparts across the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment.

"That every soldier who was deployed returned is testament to your professionalism and I congratulate you all on a job well done," His Royal Highness added.

Offering his own praise, Lord Brookeborough described the soldiers' dedication as "inspirational".

"You have the admiration of everybody for what you have done and you have also enhanced the reputation of this regiment," he said.

The peer also paid tribute to Ranger Justin Cupples who died last month as part of a routine foot patrol when he was caught by a mine blast.

After prayer was offered by the regiment's padre, troops paraded in ranks of three to the popular march of Killaloe before retiring to the Throne Room inside the government residence for a reception with their loved ones.

While currently enjoying a period of extended leave before returning to their full-time employment, members of Imjin Company will reform for further engagements in the next number of weeks.