A major event in the history of the Royal British Legion in Enniskillen took place on Saturday afternoon when the Legion hall, reconstructed at a cost of around £140,000 was re-opened by the Earl of Erne (pictured right), the Lord Lieutenant of Co. Fermanagh.

Earlier there was an impressive parade by Legionaires, resplendent in their dark suits high lighted by their campaign medals, accompanied by 33 standard bearers carrying their colourful standards.

Ballyreagh Silver Band led the parade of almost 200 ex-servicemen and members of the Legion.

The parade, commanded by Mr. Jack McFarland, of Enniskillen branch, assembled at Fermanagh of Further Education where the inspection was carried out by Lord Erne.

The procession was led by the Chairman of Enniskillen branch, Mr. Peter O'Donoghue, with the President, Mr. Ronnie Towers, acting as Parade Marshall.

As the parade was passing the Townhall, the salute was taken by Lord Erne, accompanied by the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Caldwell McClaughry and his wife, Denise. Afterwards Lord Erne was invited to unveil a plaque commemorating the rebuilding of the hall. In the course of his address he pointed out that Enniskillen had one of the oldest branches in the North of Ireland, being formed in 1923 with Major Sir Charles Falls as the first President. Ten years later the branch acquired its first home, a wooden hut on the present site.

A dance was held in the hall in the evening to round off a very important day in the life of the Enniskillen branch.