Magherafelt pub bars four people ‘who sang republican songs at Orange parade’

In response to a statement from Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea, Peter Bryson from Bryson’s Bar said they had carried out their own investigation.

‘Republican songs aimed at Orange march in Magherafelt’ “After watching our CCTV footage, there were 14 members of the public outside my premises made up of two tourists from Scotland, two from England and the rest from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds.

“Unfortunately four members of the public who are non regulars to my premises took it on themselves to sing a song which was inappropriate. Since hearing this, those individuals have been dealt with, they have apologised for their actions and I have made it clear to them they are no longer welcome at my premises.

“It is very unfortunate that this happened. Firstly as the owner of the business it is my priority to make sure the people within my business always behave in an appropriate manner, it is more difficult to manage members of the public when they are on a public street,

“Had we been given notice that the parade was passing by, then more appropriate steps could have been taken.

“On a personal note I want to say on behalf of myself and the Bryson Family that we apologise for any offense caused to members of the Dunamoney Flute Band and members of the Orange Order. Bryson’s Bar and Restaurant is a very long established family business dating back almost 80 years and we respect people of all traditions, creeds and classes. So this sort of behaviour has never been tolerated. We also know the majority of members of the local Orange Order.

“We have also been in contact with the Community Relations Officer at the PSNI regarding this complaint.”

Mr Bryson added: “Ian [McCrea] we would have appreciated it, if you had contacted the Bryson family first on this matter.”