The Royal Black Preceptory march in Raphoe, while a few hours later, a hunger strike commemoration is held in Bundoran.
In Raphoe, over 3,000 people participated in the first ever Royal Black Preceptory march in the Republic, while several hundred Republicans marched through Bundoran for the 24th annual hunger strike commemoration. Both parades passed off without incident.
Forty bus loads of people and many more travelling by car converged on the east Donegal town of Raphoe for this, the first Black Preceptory parade in the republic.
The parade included up to 30 bands and Preceptories from across the north and Glasgow. They marched through the town in what was billed as a religious family festival. They claimed it had nothing to do with the 12th, King Billy or the Siege of Derry. The festival was organised by the Royal Black Preceptory, which promotes the teaching of the bible. The event concluded just outside Raphoe with prayers and lunch.
A few hours later in Bundoran, a march took place representing a completely different tradition, the annual hunger strike commemoration march, organised by Sinn Féin. The march was led by a republican colour party and marching bands. Several hundred people paraded through Bundoran, with Glasgow again represented. Members of some of the hunger strikers' families took part in the march. They paused at the gates of a new Republican Commemoration Garden. The gathering was addressed by Republican Sinn Féin President Ruairí Ó Brádaigh.
A unique day in Donegal. Two opposing traditions marching in the county, a short distance apart.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 August 2005. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
