Troop review event defended

A CONTROVERSIAL troop review to mark the 300th anniversary of one of the largest shows of British military strength in Ireland has been defended by the chief organiser of the event.

Nearly 100 Defence Forces personnel were reviewed by Defence Minister Michael Smith in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle last night.

The event was organised to commemorate the 1704 Bennetsbridge review, when 100,000 British soldiers, infantry and cavalry, marched past the Duke of Ormond and visiting dignitaries.