BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
THE Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) memorial monument in remembrance to those that have lost their lives in service since 1970 that was traditionally located in St Lucia Barracks in Omagh has been relocated to St Columba's Church.
The monument was rededicated at a ceremony on Sunday to maintain its presence in the town when St Lucia and Lisanelly Barracks closes in August of this year after over 120 years existence in the historically garrison town of Omagh.
Omagh Town UUP Cllr Ross Hussey who has a strong connection with this regiment as his father was one of the first members of the UDR and his mother was one of the first green finches (UDR female division) spoke of how he felt about this historic move.
He explained, "Because St Lucia is no longer an operational barracks it was decided that all the memorials would be moved, as obviously if the Ministry of Defence decide to sell the property, maybe the new owner would not want them there.
"I personally would be of the opinion that they should have stayed where they were, however, if they have to move it is fitting and right that this monument is now in a local church in Omagh, because St Columba's was one of the three garrison churches in Omagh along with the Sacred Heart and Trinity Presbyterian.
"It is the memorial to UDR members who died during their service with that regiment, so it is the whole service battalion, and County Tyrone specifically which had one of the largest losses of all UDR regiments, both Protestant and Catholic members.
"The colours of the sixth County Tyrone Battalion of the UDR are also in St Columba's so the decision was made to put the memorial along with the colours.
"Because of the fact the colours are there, and there is a regimental association, as the colours mean an awful lot to any regiment of the army, and therefore it is right and fitting that the monument be placed with the colours.
"It is a lasting memorial to those who gave their lives to the service of others, and I am delighted it will be maintained and available for the public to go and see."
