Peaceful Somme parade

The Parades Commission had ruled that marchers would not pass the spot where the 49-year-old Catholic father-of-four, Kevin McDaid, died in a sectarian attack last May.

No incidents were reported last week as the parade passed off peacefully.

East Londonderry MLA, George Robinson, told the Times: "I want to express my congratulations to the organisers of the Somme commemoration parade in Coleraine last Thursday evening for the dignified, peaceful and respectful manner in which they paid tribute to the fallen of the Somme.

"The participants in the parade and the crowds who watched were also impeccably behaved and this is to their credit.

"The organisers had gone to great lengths to ensure that the event would pass peacefully and be a suitable mark of respect to all those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we enjoy today.

" All their efforts paid off and they must be commended for their diligence".

Before the parade Killowen LOL 930, which organises the annual parade, issued a statement calling for young people in particular not to be drawn into any violence or anti-social behaviour.