Twelfth with tricolours in Carnlough

"Your are now entering" Carnlough village especially decorated with the orange and green (Highest colour of the order). INBT 29-924H

Despite the token protest by republicans – who did likewise in 2007 – Braid District No 18, whose demonstration takes place in the predominantly nationalist village every six years, said the event was “a great success”.

Eleven lodges processed in beautiful sunshine, hosted by Carnlough LOL 1180, in its 90th anniversary year.

District master Dessie Gray said the parade passed off peacefully and praised the PSNI for “a fantastic job”.

The day was not without incident and Mr Gray confirmed a report from loyalist grouping Larne People’s Forum (LPF)that on Eleventh Night portable toilets had been tipped over in the demonstration field at Largy Road.

LPF also claimed that marchers were subjected to “a barrage of verbal abuse and obscenities” from some sections of the crowd.

Mr Gray told the Times: “At one point, a group of about 15 people were shouting abuse at us as we passed by the bridge in the village, and some people also walked out in front of the parade.

“But these and other incidents by a small number of people did not succeed in spoiling the day as far as we were concerned.

“Large numbers of people turned out to enjoy the event and the weather was brilliant.”

A spokesman for the Carnlough lodge spoke of “many families relaxing at the Field”.

He added: “The flags erected in the village had no impact on the parade at all.”

The lodge expressed thanks to the PSNI and DUP councillors Winston Fulton and Gregg McKeen, adding: “The Orange Order has always had a good relationship with local residents and would hope that this can continue for many years to come.”

Ulster Unionist Mayor Councillor Maureen Morrow said it had been “an excellent day”.

Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan commended locals for exercising “restraint”.

He revealed: “One group of residents wanted to protest, but we managed to persuade them not to in the interest of the image of the village and we have to give them credit for that.”

Mr McMullan added: “Shame on those people from the loyal orders who can’t even talk to the residents.”

In its determination last week, the Parades Commission noted that Braid District sent letters advising Carnlough businesses of Twelfth arrangements, but Mr McMullan said: “If they think that fulfils their obligation, it doesn’t.”