Thousands of Orangemen commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne with parades throughout Northern Ireland.
The 307th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne was marked with paraded across Northern Ireland. The Belfast County Grand Parade was more carnival than carnage. 250 lodges were headed up by as many bands along the five mile trip from Belfast city centre to Edenderry. The new Grand Master Robert Saulters spoke to RTÉ News about the disputes over the commemoration parades.
The carnival atmosphere was not prevalent everywhere in Northern Ireland. In Bellaghy a section of the main street of the staunchly nationalist village was sealed off. Three local lodges of the Orange Order held early meetings and decided to cancel the evening parade. Jim Hasson, Bellaghy District Master, said the decision to cancel the parade was made
In the interest of peace.
In the 80% nationalist town of Ballycastle, Rev Ian Paisley led the parade by the Independent Orange Order.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 July 1997. The reporter is Tony Connelly.
