Coronavirus: Apprentice Boys call off Easter Monday parade

A spokesperson said: “During this challenging time, we are mindful of the well-being of our members, bands and supporters, and the residents of Cookstown.

“As a responsible civic organisation it is our duty to place the well-being of the community foremost, as we have done before in similar circumstances.

“Furthermore, taking account of the Prime Minister’s appeal for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others, the Officers of the General Committee believe that all Apprentice Boys’ Parades, meetings, Church Services and any other Club events should not take place. In effect this means the suspension of all activities, starting immediately and until further notice.”

He added that at this point nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our members, their families, friends and neighbours.