Lodges on march for battle anniversary

The battle took place on September 21, 1795 and led to the formation of the first Orange lodges and the Orange Order as it is known today.

The annual Battle of the Diamond anniversary service is organised by three lodges which were formed and had their warrants issued on the day of the battle.

They are St Aidan’s True Blues Kilmore LOL 35 (Portadown District), The Diamond Memorial LOL 85 and The Diamond Grange LOL118 (Both Loughgall District).

The service is organised annually to the Sunday nearest to the anniversary date.

It will be held in the Diamond Memorial Orange Hall, Loughgall at 3.30pm. Brethren, Sisters and Juniors will assemble at Redmond’s Corner on the Moy Road, Loughgall at 2.45pm sharp.

The parade will be lead by Sgt White Memorial Melody Flute Band from the Bush, Dungannon. All visiting brethren, sisters and juniors are very welcome.

Among those attending will be officers and members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge, Loughgall District, Portadown District along with members from various other visiting districts.

The service starts at 3.30pm and the preacher will be the Rev Rosie Diffin, Parish Rector for Kilmore & St Saviour’s Church of Ireland, Portadown.

The organ playing will be performed by Trevor Sharpe and the collection will be in aid of the Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orange Orphan Society.