Lord mayor and band hit right note

AS a Corkman living in Belgium, I was delighted that the city’s lord mayor and groups from Cork attended the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines, Belgium, on Tuesday last — Remembrance Day.

I stood at the entrance gate and watched the Cork Barrack Street Band (‘the Barracka’) lead the parade to the park.

The Irish marches brought back many memories of Patrick’s Day parades and big matches in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.

In cold and windy conditions the 30-or-so young members of this band stood solemnly throughout the ceremonies. Later that evening, at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, the Barracka, with Lord Mayor Brian Bermingham, slow-marched through the gate playing an Irish lament. The music brought a tear to my eye and applause from those attending.

Again, after the Last Post, another Irish lament echoed through the enormous structure, a very impressive performance. Those young people and our lord mayor did our city proud.

They, and all those involved, should be congratulated for the outstanding performance and for being wonderful ambassadors of Cork and for making a Corkman in Belgium very proud indeed.

John Conroy

8 Hugo Verrietstraat

Evere 1140

Brussels