Ayr homecoming was a day of joy and tears

Oct 31 2008 by Lisa Boyle,

FUSILIER Paul O’Donnell was bursting with pride as he marched through Ayr town centre.

The 30-year-old Mauchline man had his family cheering him all the way.

But he admits that he and his comrades had mixed emotions.

Fus O’Donnell said: “It was a really good feeling. I felt so proud and I had a lump in my throat. It was amazing hearing people in the crowd clapping and calling us heroes.

“But Barry Dempsey has been on my mind ever since it happened and I was thinking of him too.

“We were in the middle of a patrol when he was killed but as soon as we heard morale dropped.

“But we all supported each other and that helped get us through.”

His proud dad Daniel added: “It was a brilliant feeling seeing Paul march through the town.

“I’m so glad to have him back, I’ve really missed him.”

Fus O’Donnell’s devoted girlfriend Kerry Robertson added: “I’m so proud of him, it’s been very emotional, I definitely had a tear in my eye during the parade.”

WELCOME HOME: Royal Highland Fusilier Paul O’Donnell is welcomed home by girlfriend Kerry Robertson, dad Daniel and Jean Cummings. emayp271008parade-33