Orangemen to converge in Moneymore for Twelfth parade

Spectators in Mid Ulster have a choice of Twelfth venues next Monday to mark the 325th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, with demonstrations taking place in Moneymore, Benburb and Portglenone.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jul 2015, 12:23 BST
Magherafelt was a sea of colour on the 12th of July.INMM2913-341SRMagherafelt was a sea of colour on the 12th of July.INMM2913-341SR
Magherafelt was a sea of colour on the 12th of July.INMM2913-341SR

Large crowds are expected to converge in Moneymore for the annual South Londonderry demonstration.

The village is hosting the Twelfth for the first time since 2007. There will be a total of eight districts on parade – Moneymore, Magherafelt, Garvagh, Kilrea, Ballyronan, Tamlaght O’Crilly, Castledawson and Tobermore.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Up to 50 bands will join with approximately 60 lodges and proceed through the village, with the main parade moving off at 11am. All districts will assemble at Fairhill and parade via Lawford Street, High Street, Stonard Street and Bridger Street before proceeding to the demonstration field on the Moneyhall Road.

Platform proceedings are due to get underway at 2pm and will be led by Londonderry County Grand Master, Hugh Stewart. The senior Orangeman is also the District Master of neighbouring district, Magherafelt LOL No 3. The return parade is due to commence at 3.45pm.

Brethren from East Tyrone will be heading to the small hamlet of Benburb to take part in the largest demonstration in the county.Joining Benburb brethren on parade will be Orangemen and women representing six other districts - Stewartstown, Cookstown, Castlecaulfield, Pomeroy, Coagh and Killyman.

A total of 70 Lodges and over 50 bands – silver, accordion, pipe and flute – will add colour and much sound to the annual gathering.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The main parade through the townland is due to commence at 12.30pm from the assembly field at Derryfubble Road proceeding the short route via the Main Street and Confeacle Road to the demonstration field.

Among the dignitaries on parade will be Tyrone’s most senior Orangeman, County Grand Master James Emery and Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Millar Farr.

The platform proceedings are due to commence at 2.30pm, with the guest speaker being James Maclean, who is the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland. Rev David Reid will conduct the religious service. Portglenone is the third venue for spectators - the only one which takes place in two counties. Sixteen lodges walking in the Triangle parade will commence their parade in Co Antrim and proceed to a religious service, held in neighbouring Co Londonderry.