Convention at Foresters Club

It's the first time in 18 years the convention has been hosted in Lurgan and a number of events have been organised.

The 'Sir Charles Russell' Branch of the INF was founded in 1892 and took its name from Sir Charles Russell of Killowen, who was the first Catholic to hold the post of Lord Chief Justice of England.

The club hosts a quiz night on Friday night - with a 10 entry per five man team. All proceeds will go to the charity of the winning team's choice.

Delegates will arrive on Saturday and the club will host a musical evening featuring Seamy Brady from 8pm to 1pm.

On Sunday, 21 branches of the INF from across Ireland will be led by nine bands in a parade through the town, with a service at St Peter's Temporary Church.

It's expected around 1,500 people will take part in the parade, which starts at 11.30am from the Clann na Gael car park taking a route along Francis Street, Edward Street and North Street to the temporary church.

The service begins at 12.15pm. Following that the parade will reassemble at the St Peter's GAA Club car park taking a route through Lake Street and Levin Road and back to North Street and to the INF Club.

Also on Sunday the fabulous Hyland Paddy will be entertaining in the club from 3pm to 7pm, joined by Seamy Brady and Billy 'Elvis' Quinn from 7pm till late.

Monday sees the meeting of the delegates, with music by Gary Matin and Billy 'Elvis' Quinn.

On Monday night there will be a banquet in the Ashburn Hotel with music by 'Oups'.

A four course meal will be served plus a bottle red and white wine. The meal costs 25 per person.

On Tuesday, August 3, there will be a folk session in the club. All musicians are welcome and it runs from 1pm till late (happy hour 12-4pm).

The club has been a mainstay of life in the town for over a century and is currently planning to build new premises on their current site, although work has been delayed with planning issues surrounding the Townscape Heritage Scheme.

Members enjoy free entertainment on Sunday afternoon, Sunday night, Monday afternoon and Monday night.

Happy hours for members are 2pm-7pm Monday, 12pm to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 1pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. All pints are 2.20.

The club also has a darts team (this year's league winners) and a football team. They have also hosted boxing, snooker and pool tournaments throughout the year.

The club also prides itself on the amount raised for various charities over the years, with members and friends keen to help wherever they can.

Club spokesman Gary Bunting said: "We hope everyone in the town can come and enjoy the parade and have a good weekend."

The club thanked all who have sponsored them or helped in anyway.

Particular thanks were passed to Craigavon Council, the Tourist Board, Clan na Gael, St Peter's, INF club members and the Lennon family for loan of the bunting.