https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c725712xzpko
Thousands of people are attending the annual Orange Order parade in the seaside village of Rossnowlagh, County Donegal.
Around 50 lodges are at the gathering which traditionally takes place on the Saturday before the main Twelfth demonstrations in Northern Ireland.
The lodges are from Donegal as well as the border counties of Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan and brethren from across Northern Ireland.
Forty bands are also on parade.
Some visitors from overseas also travelled to take part. They are here to attend the Imperial Orange Council in Enniskillen this year and have taken the opportunity to come to Donegal to sample the parade.
'Enjoyable day'
Donegal County Grand Master David Mahon said it is always a family-friendly day for all with the major concern always the weather.
“As usual we expect to have a good day here in Rossnowlagh," Mr Mahon said.
"We also have lots of visitors from across the world who’re here for the Imperial Orange Council which is meeting in Northern Ireland.
"So we’ll have people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ghana as well as England, Scotland and Wales. They are really looking forward to the parade and they’ll be right up at the front as we set off."
The Imperial Orange Council is a triennial gathering of delegates representing World Orangeism.
A close up image of Stuart Brooker, standing outdoors
Image caption,
Stuart Brooker said hosting the parade in Fermanagh is "particularly special"
Stuart Brooker, the deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, is delighted Enniskillen is hosting the gathering after it had to be postponed due to Covid.
“The objective and the aims of the Imperial Orange Council are to take into consideration the state of Orangeism and Protestantism generally," Mr Brooker said.
" It is particularly special for us to host this in beautiful Fermanagh in the west and get out of the city environment."
Orange Order in Australia
Ian Kells, who is originally from the Springfield area of Enniskillen, left Fermanagh 56 years ago shortly after the death of his father.
He was homesick and contacted the Orange Order in Australia.
He has since risen to become Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia.
He said that when he first went to Australia they used to have parades through the centre of Sydney but now the lodge has formal dinners and get togethers.
“I was a member of a little lodge which at one time only had three members. But it has since grown as it's been helped by the immigration of young people from Scotland and Northern Ireland," he said.
"We now have 22 members and I’m the oldest.”
Ian Kells, centre of the photo, taken outdoors, with a path and grass in the background
Image caption,
Ian Kells left Fermanagh 56 years ago
'Good relations'
Donegal Grand Master David Mahon said the Orange Order is in a buoyant mood in the county and members look forward to this day from one year to the next.
“The atmosphere and the mood here in Donegal is always very good and some of our lodges are now seeing new members joining this year. So it’s all looking good," he said.
Mr Mahon said there is always good relations between the organisation and the local Catholic community which he said worked in harmony.
In keeping with tradition the parade started from St John’s Parish Church and made its way along the picturesque narrow route down into the seaside village.
Hundreds of spectators are out along the way taking up vantage points to watch the demonstration.
After the parade many marchers enjoy a stroll along the vast beach which is popular with holiday-makers and surfers alike.
Anniversary
This is a special year for Raphoe District Orange Lodge.
Spokesman Stewart McClean said the Raphoe District Orange Lodge will have a new district bannerette out for the first time today in Rossnowlagh.
"The bannerette celebrates the 190th anniversary of the district lodge which was formed in 1834," he said.
"So a special day for the lodge and all its members and supporters and we’ve been looking forward to displaying the bannerette to everyone in Donegal. It’s been dedicated during the week before its unveiling at this parade."
After the religious service at the field, there will be a return parade in the village.
by heresmewhaa
7 comments
As much as I disagree with the premise of the 12th, I think this is a great selling point for a UI to show loyalists they will still be able to go about their business after reunification.
This post needs more FLEGS
Bowler hats worn as they are associated with loyalty to the brit establishment. Also worn by supervisors in the
shipyards here when ship building was big. They wear orange for the same reason as the dutch footy team.
It used to be a day to celebrate the battle of aughrim, it has been suggested that the Boyne became
emphasised because the Irish troops could be more easily presented as cowardly than at Aughrim, where they
were generally agreed to have fought bravely.The Loyalist song the sash mentions Aughrim. Also something
to do with a calendar change, but I went to the toilet then.
Do the locals really not mind? I suppose it’s good for the local economy, hut still…
The Rossnowlagh parade has been going for decades with no trouble AFAIK. It proves that the OO would be tolerated in a UI. The main trouble here has been about marching in areas where they’re not wanted. A bit of common sense & it can be a good day out for those who enjoy it.
If there ever is to be true peace, there has to be respect and acceptance. This march has happened for decades.
They’re secretly using it as an excuse to go on to Falcarragh Pride tonight 🤫