Armagh and Galway are set to clash in the senior football final this Sunday, but Portadown District LOL No. 1 had planned to have their Drumcree parade march on Garvaghy Road in Portadown on the same day.
The Orange Order, also known as the Loyal Orange Institution, is a Protestant fraternal organisation based primarily in Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1795 in County Armagh, Ireland, to commemorate the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The Order is named after King William and is known for its strong association with unionism and Protestantism.
The organisation has been involved in violent clashes since its inception, and political backlash occurs every time an incident arises.
The district has been trying to walk down the route since 1998 but has been unsuccessful ever since.
Earlier this week, the lodge said they had made the application for Sunday because it would have the "least impact" on the community as "most will either be away to Croke Park, or will be in clubs, pubs, or at home watching and supporting their county, Armagh GAA, playing in the final of the All-Ireland."
The Parades Commission, responsible for adjudicating contentious parades, stated in its published determination that the proposed route would negatively impact community relations and carry a risk of public disorder.
It added that several conditions have been imposed on the proposed parade, including a ban on entering the full length of Garvaghy Road.
ON DUTY It was a busy day for the RUC on July 12, 2001, as officers tackled nationalists protesting at an Orange Order parade (picture by Hugh Thomas/BWP Media/Getty Images)Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy said it was the right decision.
“For 26 years, the people of Garvaghy Road have enjoyed peace since contentious parades were prevented from going through the area," said Duffy.
“This most recent application was a stunt; it was arrogant, insulting, and derogatory, and designed to increase tensions and cause division.
“The people of Garvaghy Road have worked to foster stronger and better cross-community relations with our neighbours and have no desire to return to the divisions of the past.”
In a statement, Portadown District LOL No. 1 expressed disappointment with the determination.
“This district, as in the past, stands ready to talk with anyone in a bid to bring this to a conclusion.
“We have already requested a meeting with the new Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, and will be arranging meetings with the Chief Constable (Jon Boutcher) and the Parades Commission to highlight these issues in due course.
“This Sunday at 1 p.m., we will meet outside Drumcree Parish Church, as we have done for the last 26 years, and parade to the bridge to complete our 1998 parade.
“We welcome anyone who would like to show their support.”
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart added, “This proposal by Portadown District was a genuine attempt at minimising the disruption to the daily lives of local residents and ending this dispute.
“The only conclusion that can be drawn from today’s determination by the Parades Commission is that neither the commission nor the local community on Garvaghy Road has any intention of finding a solution.
“That can only result in a worsening of community relations and ongoing division in our community.
“Such an outcome is deeply regrettable.”
She added, “Working alongside the district officers, I will continue to engage with the PSNI, Secretary of State, and Parades Commission to seek to find a resolution in the future that respects the rights of all.”
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