Overview

• The couple began at the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s new Learning & Development College in Cookstown, riding in a fire engine and touring its replica village and training warehouse.
• They attempted a bank-based floodwater line-throw during a simulated rescue and observed rope, ladder and breathing apparatus drills run by trainees.
• Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings called it a proud and unforgettable day and said the scenario-based facilities are transforming firefighter training.
• They met recent graduates including Caoimhe McNeice and Piarais McCaffery, who said Kate joked about wanting the sirens on and asked if William could drive.
• After the training visit, they headed to Mallon Farm in County Tyrone to highlight flax-to-linen production and rural manufacturing during their first joint Northern Ireland visit since 2022 and Kate’s first since her cancer treatment.