‘Republican songs aimed at Orange march in Magherafelt’

Calls have been made for police to take action against those who are alleged to have sang republican songs in Magherafelt on Sunday evening during an Orange parade.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jul 2015, 14:35 BST
The reflection of the members of the Orange Order in Rossnowlagh at the weekend as thousands braved the elements for the only official Orange Parade in the south of Ireland which anually comes before the 12th of July celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne .Picture Brian Mc DaidThe reflection of the members of the Orange Order in Rossnowlagh at the weekend as thousands braved the elements for the only official Orange Parade in the south of Ireland which anually comes before the 12th of July celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne .Picture Brian Mc Daid
The reflection of the members of the Orange Order in Rossnowlagh at the weekend as thousands braved the elements for the only official Orange Parade in the south of Ireland which anually comes before the 12th of July celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne .Picture Brian Mc Daid

Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea said: “After the church parade ended, I was informed by a number of Orange Men and members of Dunamoney Flute Band that some of the people who sat drinking on the street... sang republican songs during the time that the parade passed by.

“Having made representations to the police, I have been assured that they are treating it as a hate crime and are currently carrying out their investigations to ensure that those responsible for this intimidation are dealt with.

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“I want to repeat again what I have told many of those who were there, that they must make a statement to the police as complaining isn’t enough.

Mr McCrea added: “I want on a positive note to commend the office bearers of the Magherafelt District Orange for holding a very professional and dignified church parade as well as Dunamoney Flute Band who looked well in their new uniforms.”