The sun shone for the Royal Gun Salute to mark the second anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the throne, held at the Royal School Dungannon on Monday 9th September. This was the first time the salute was held in County Tyrone and one of only a handful of occasions when the salute has taken place outside its usual venue at Hillsborough Castle.

The Royal Gun Salute was fired by 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery at precisely 12.00 noon, and was followed by an inspection from the Lord-Lieutenant for County Tyrone, Mr Robert Scott OBE JP and the Headmaster, Dr David Burnett. The firing took place on the Memorial Rugby Field at the front of the school, with all RSD staff and pupils in attendance. Afterwards, staff and pupils enjoyed some time taking photographs with the guns and troops. As expected, the three artillery pieces drew the most attention, with Lt Colonel Thomas’ ceremonial sword also a firm favourite for many of the pupils to have in their photographs.

The Lord-Lieutenant’s guests included, Mrs Liz Cuddy OBE DL, Mr David Moore Sheriff of Tyrone, Mr Peter Acheson MBE VLL (retired), Mr Pat Killen OBE VLL (retired), Mr Noel Irwin MBE President of Dungannon RBL, Mr David Cuddy Chairman of Dungannon RBL. Other special guests in attendance were Mr Graham Montgomery Headmaster of Royal School Armagh, Ms Elizabeth Armstrong Principal of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Mr Padraig Corley Headmaster Cavan Royal Grammar School, Mr Wesley Brown Deputy Chairman of Mid Ulster Council, Mrs Mitchell Principal Killyman Primary School, Mrs McKenzie Principal Bush Primary School, Mrs McWilliams Principal Howard Primary School, Mrs Millar Principal Newmills Primary School, Mrs Ferguson Principal Windmill Integrated Primary School, Mr Sleeth Principal Integrated College Dungannon.

The Headmaster, Dr Burnett, commented that, “We are delighted that RSD was chosen as the venue for the Royal Gun Salute to mark the King’s Accession. Initial planning started back in 2020 but was interrupted by the pandemic. We were very pleased to restart everything once again and bring the Gun Salute to Dungannon. It has been a great day for the school, being the first school to host the salute, and it has put a smile on everyone’s faces. My thanks go to Lt Colonel Thomas and 38th Irish Brigade and especially 206 (Ulster) Battery for their expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm which made the whole thing possible. My thanks go also to all the staff at RSD who made the occasion possible, especially Mr Clingan Deputy Head, our Senior Teachers and admin team who made everything run so smoothly, our grounds, cleaning and caretaking staff who presented the school so well and our catering team who provided the wonderful hospitality. It has been a great team effort for a special occasion.”