Carnmoney Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade officer’s service recognised

Johnny Conn joined the Senior Corps of the Carnmoney CLB Company, Newtownabbey, in 1970.

He enjoyed the brigade’s sporting programme, and competed in handball, football and athletics competitions.

For teaching in the parish Sunday school, Johnny was presented with the brigade’s Church Service Award at a display night in the early 1970s.

After attending Officer Training, Johnny was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, promoted to Lieutenant.

He was Captain of the Carnmoney Company from 1977 until 1998, and in 1992 established a Church Girls’ Brigade unit for the parish.

With the help of an enthusiastic group of leaders, the brigade in Carnmoney became strong and successful. Johnny played the bass drum in the company’s marching band.

He also worked at Battalion and Regimental level. He was Publicity Officer under the late Harry Anderson, Ulster Regiment CO, and assisted the Training Officer to organise courses.

In 1991, he was appointed Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion. He recently did a second term as Publicity Officer under Melvyn Lockhart, the present CO, and has always had a passion to record the Brigade’s fascinating history.

The Diocese of Connor congratulated Mr Conn on his dedicated service.

The Times reported in February 2020 that a quiz night in Carnmoney Parish Hall organised by members of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade raised £500 for brigade funds.

For more on this story, read here

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