Peter Sands retires from the Defence Forces
LOUTH F.C.A. Commandant Peter Sands (pictured) bade an emotional farewell to the Defence Forces this week after a long and distinguished military career as Officer Commanding B Company 8th Infantry Battalion.
In Drogheda on Sunday high-ranking officers and top political figures, including Ceann Comhairle Padraig Faulkner, were present when he took his final salute at the stand down parade in West Street.
Earlier in Bolton Square, Commandant Sands was escorted onto the parade by Commandant F. Hearns, O/C 8th Battalion, when he inspected a guard of honour, under Lt. Peter Durnin, and drawn from B Company 8th Battalion.
Also present was a colour party from B. Coy, under Lt. Michael Leech and Lt. Oliver Murray, and in charge of the parade for the final salute, which was taken from A, B, C D and E Companies, was Commandant Gerry Callan, O/C A Coy, Dundalk. In attendance also was the Drogheda Brass Band and the 5th Batt. Pipe Band.
The Mayor, Colr. Ray Dempsey, who presented Commdt. Sands with a plaque of the town crest on behalf of himself and members of the Corporation, described the standing down ceremony as a bitter sweet occasion.
The Mayor, who was speaking at a reception later in the Boyne Valley Hotel, said the attendance of so many high-ranking officers and representatives of state was a fitting testimony to the esteem in which Commdt. Sands was held. ‘ “Commdt. Sands’ record speaks for itself but above all he was an honest and straight forward officer who had the gift of bringing the best out in everybody and was very popular with all ranks.
‘ This combination of thought and action gave the lie to those who would believe that senior officers are out of contact with the rank and file but this was something Peter himself sought to play down and was a typical act of modesty on his part.”
Councillor Deropsey said his legacy to those who follow would be a brotherhood of service , friendship and dedication, “qualities more precious than gold in a world where the real values of life are under constant attack ‘
Councillor Dempsey also paid tribute, to Commdt. Sands, for outstanding service, the late Captain Plunkett and incoming Adjutant Dan McCullough.
Mr. Faulkner complimented Commdt. Sands on the excellent work he did for the FCA and the country and hoped he would maintain links with the force now he had retired.
Commdt. Sands said he was happy to see so many old friends, especially Old IRA veteran and special guest, Harry Fairtlough (80) and the Mayor’s mother, former Cumann na mBan member, Kathleen Dempsey, who made it possible for them to be here today.
Deputy Eddie Filgate, representing the Minister for Defence, said Commandant Sands service stretched back to the early days of the Emergency declared on the outbreak of World War II when he volunteered for service with the Dunleer Platoon of the South Louth Battalion of the Local Defence Forces.
Wheh the LDF was “stood down” at the end of the Emergency he joined the FCA units formation in 1946. His Commanding Officer in those days was destined to become minister for Defence and now filled the respected office of Ceann Comhairle in Dail Eireann, Mr. Padraig Faulkner, T.D. Deputy Filgate said that in recognition of his qualities of leadership and dedicated service he was commissioned in 1955 and appointed Offiicer Commanding Dunleer and Gormanston College Units of the 8th Infantry Battalion.
In 1971 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and appointed Battalion Quartermaster and on the retirement of Commandant Sean Murray in 1974,. he was ‘ appointed Company Commandant, B Company, Drogheda, and in December, 1977 he was promoted to Field rank as Commandant.
“An outstanding marksman with both rifle and pistol he has taken his place on all B Company rifle teams and he won the Battalion, Brigade and Eastern Command Championships.”