‘Huge honour’ as local man represents Ireland at Royal Albert Hall
Jessica Thompson
Mullingar man and Standard Bearer Donal Flynn had the honour of representing the local branch of the Royal British Legion, as well as the entire Republic of Ireland, at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The festival took place on Saturday November 9, in the presence of His Majesty King Charles, and Donal was the first to ever be selected from Westmeath to attend.
“There were 98 standard bearers from all over, I was representing the Republic of Ireland. And it was an amazing experience to meet so many veterans,” said Donal.
“It was very, very moving, especially with the remaining World War II veterans and Afghanistan veterans. I would know a few Afghanistan veterans myself.”
Donal’s grand-uncle Daniel was killed on December 8, 1915, at the Battle of Kosturino, during WWI. His uncle Bill was in the RAF during World War II. And his aunt Kitty, who is 98 years old is still alive and living in Kilbeggan.
“So it was a big surprise for her and she was so delighted because of her uncle and brother in World War II,” said Donal. “It’s a pity my parents weren’t alive to see it.”
It’s an honour for generations of Donal’s family that he represented the country at such a prestigious event. He joined the Legion and got involved because of his family.
“I was interested in the role and trained to be a Standard Bearer. We’d normally attend events like Island Bridge and St Patrick’s Cathedral. I couldn’t be there this year, but I came second in the District Standard Bearer competition in Cookstown in October, allowing me the honour of being Deputy National Standard Bearer,” he said.
“Next year, I will be carrying the Tricolour at Island Bridge and St Patrick’s Cathedral. There’s always some ceremonial work to be done. It’s a great honour while I’m physically fit to do it.”
His 15-year-old son, Daniel, has begun to follow in his footsteps. He came third in the youth competition in Cookstown last month, which Donal says is “quite an achievement as he only started training in July”.
“He’s in Coláiste Mhuire in Mullingar, he’s doing his Junior Cert, but perhaps in the future he’ll represent the county, if not the country,” said Donal.
In fact, they were lucky enough to get Daniel on the stage for a photograph after the Royal Albert Hall event last Saturday night, where he wore his great-grand-uncle Daniel Flynn’s medals.
“It was an emotional, hectic, absolutely exhilarating weekend,” said Donal, adding that this was the top ceremony he’s ever had the honour of attending.
“The respect from the general public over there is unbelievable, and to actually see how an event like that is put together, how much work goes into it. Everyone has a training slot with the BBC – you’re brought across from another building into the Albert Hall when it’s your turn for training.
“And the chap in charge of the day, he did all the ceremonies for the Queen’s funeral and King Charles’s coronation. And it was amazing to be that close to people you see on the television.
“The funniest thing is I nearly bumped into Tom Jones, who was walking along the corridor for one of the rehearsals. He was just in a baseball cap and a puffer jacket,” he laughed.
“The whole weekend was an amazing experience and it was just a huge honour to be able to do it.”