Fergal, the Irish wolfhound mascot of the Irish Guards Association taking part in this year’s Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade

The Harp is sad to report on the death of Fergal, the Irish wolfhound mascot of the Irish Guards Association. Fergal was introduced to the Midlands Irish Community when accompanied by his handler Drummer Luther Davis; he formed part of the lead party at Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade this year.
Fergal who was just a puppy was home in Liverpool with his handler for the weekend where he was tragically killed by a vehicle he collided with whilst out exercising on Saturday November 3rd.
Fergal's part in the parade was groundbreaking as it was the first time members of the British Military had taken part in Birmingham's St Patrick's Day festivities. Through Paddy McGowan, the Irish Guards Association made the first step of the militaries attempt to heal the wounds of the pub bombings of 1974 where twenty-one people where killed and one hundred and eighty two injured. The men falsely imprisoned for the crime became known as 'The Birmingham Six' -their convictions were quashed
and they were released from prison in 1991.
To continue building relations between the Irish community and British military, it is hoped that Fergal's replacement and the Irish Guards Pipe band will take place in next years parade. The Irish wolfhound with its unique combination of power, swiftness and excellent sight is one of the world's tallest breeds of dog as standing on its hind legs it is can reach up to 2.13 meters (7foot) tall. As a generally good natured and well-behaved dog it is deemed a perfect regimental mascot and thus has enjoyed a close relationship with the Irish Guards for over a century. The breed was the ancient hunting dog of the Legendary Irish Warriors led by Fionn MacCumhaill, so they were an appropriate choice of mascot for the regiment. The Irish Guards were formed in 1900 by Queen Victoria to commemoratethe bravery of the Irish soldiers who had fought during the Boer War.
The Irish Wolfhound Club presented the regiments' first wolfhound as a pet in 1902 that was originally called Rajah of Kidnal then later christened Brian Boru after one of Ireland's greatest national heroes although among the regiment he became affectionately known as Paddy. The Club hoped that this gesture would help raise the profile of the breed and encourage more people to become owners In 1961 the Irish Wolfhound became the official mascot and in keeping with tradition every mascot is named after High Kings and Chieftains of Ireland. In Gaelic Fergal is translated as 'man (or in this case dog) of strength'. The Regimental Mascot is looked after by a Drummer (Guardsmen of the Corp of Drums are given the rank of Drummer) and leads the Regiment on all parades.
Between 1902 and 2005 thirteen Irish Wolfhounds have served with the Irish Guards for periods ranging from two to ten years with Fergal's reign being tragically cut short. The St Patrick's Parade pass their condolences on their website www.stpatricksfestival.co.uk. The Harp would like to also pass their condolence to Drummer Luther Davies and the Irish Guards Association.