In tune with the peace process, the Irish and British armies joined together last night and struck a note of harmony at a unique event in Dublin.
The Army No 1 Band and the Band of the Irish Guards, celebrating its centenary, played together for the first time.
At the National Concert Hall the programme reflected the two communities, with traditional airs and military music, with a lighter touch provided by a Cole Porter medley.
The Army No 1 Band conductor, Comdt Joseph Ryan, said military music had a shared heritage and the musicians had a strong sense of something historic happening. His counterpart, Maj Andrew Chatburn, said they were very proud to be there. It was the first time a British army ensemble had played in the State since independence. Proceeds will go equally to British and Irish servicemen's charities in Ireland.
Outside the concert hall in two lines either side of Earlsfort Terrace members of Sinn Fein and the South Armagh Farmers' and Residents' Committee held a demonstration protesting at the Minister for Defence's invitation to the Irish Guards. Comdt Ryan said they were aware of the hurt people felt on all sides as a result of the years of conflict. "On the other hand, this is not any exercise in jingoism and the programme was chosen with sensitivity," he said. Maj Chatburn said they understood how people took a different view.