Irish troops in Afghanistan postpone St. Patrick's Day

Duties on the front line mean celebrations put on hold

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Officers from the Queen's Royal Hussars have been forced to put St Patrick's Day celebrations on hold (MoD)

Photo by PA

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Visit our special St. Patrick's Day section here

Irish soldiers serving in Afghanistan are to postpone their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations until next weekend.

The Queen's Royal Hussars, who are based in Helmand province, will be performing front-line duties on March 17, so they plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day next weekend. The Afghan festivities will be more low key as a strict no-alcohol policy is enforced.

Captain Justin Kennedy-Lunde (29) from Waterford said, "St Patrick's Day is something I always look forward to at home.

"I would normally spend my day at the local parade and having a good time with friends and family,” he told the Press Association.

Members of the Queen’s Royal Hussars, wear green jumpers and berets to reflect their historic ties to Ireland. Currently based in the Helmand province, they operate armoured vehicles as part of the coalition effort.

"I would also like to be watching Ireland beat England in the rugby and be having a few pints of Guinness and maybe a whiskey. We will still celebrate as soon as possible with a shamrock presentation and a pot of Irish stew."

Major Alexander Forsyth (36) from Norfolk says the regiment always takes pride in its Irish connection.

"It is part of our identity as a regiment and we always mark it with a parade. Being out in Afghanistan, it is important we keep up the tradition. It is something we can all take pride in but also a chance to have some fun."

Visit our special St. Patrick's Day section here

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