In a previous posting regarding “The FCA an Illustrated History” I mentioned there was only one photo of 21Bn. Well Des Fitzgerald has found another photo featuring himself, but this one was taken during his sojourn in Cork. Des was a member of B Coy who transferred to 23 Inf Bn while he was studying in Cork. Des takes up the story:

The photo is on page 83, I’m the second from the left in the rear rank.  I served with A Company whose area of ops was north of the city.  Because this GoH was in the southern suburbs (Wilton) it was B Coy’s show and the other companies were there to boost the numbers.

It was in early 1985, which was the year of Cork’s 500 celebrations.  It was one of the anniversary celebrations in the 1980’s to drum up business.  I think Galway started with 500 years, Cork topped that with 800 and then in 1988 Dublin beat them all with the Millennium.  It was a precursor for ‘The Gathering’ and I suppose they were hoping to drum up a few tourists.  I think the main result was that Paddy Hilliary seemed to be in Cork every second week-end; he was on first name terms by the end of the year.  In fact there are three photos of Guards of Honour for Paddy (pages 79, 83 and 84) in the book; and he wanted the job of President!, a high price.