On Saturday 27th January 2018 The President Amagh RBL attended the RBL Northern Ireland District’s 94th Annual Conference, along with the Branch Chairman and Vice-Chairman. During Conference the Republic of Ireland District Chairman was invited to the front in order to make a presentation.
He announced that: “The Rep. of Ireland District instituted an award it calls the “RBL ROI President’s Commendation”. This new award has as its inspiration the sentiments of the first Legion President in Ireland, Major General Sir William Hickie KCB who commanded that whenever the name of a man came before him for having performed a meritorious deed he would have the fact entered in the record of the 16th (Irish) Division. RBL ROI similarly intends to officially acknowledge special contributions by individuals or groups to the merit of the objects of the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland that might otherwise have gone unrecorded. Recipients do not need to be Legion affiliated. The first Commendation approved by the current President, Major General The O’Morchoe CB, CBE is awarded to the ARMAGH City Branch RBL. We offer sincere congratulations and thanks to Mr David Hammerton and his Branch Team for their great efforts in honouring the Centenary of the Battle of Messines in such great style, including securing the presence of the Ginchy Cross on this All-Ireland occasion”.
This award was completely unexpected, and it was an honour to be asked to collect it from him. I am so pleased that our Committee Members have been recognised for the work and effort they put in to this event. I offer my sincere gratitude to all who were behind this award.
