Garvaghy Road Residents Warn of Mobilization if Orange Order Parade Proceeds

Residents Demand Respect for Their Rights

Linda O’Neill of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition stated, “Our ‘Plan A’ is that the parade will not go down the road.” She emphasized the community’s trauma from past conflicts, noting that the last time the parade passed through the area, she was 22 years old. “Our community has lived through it enough and has every right to live in peace,” O’Neill said. Vincent McAleenan, another resident, recounted witnessing violence 28 years ago, stating: “I now have a grandchild and a nine-year-old. This is not going to happen to her.” He called on the Orange Order to “take the high ground” and “not even ask for this parade anymore”.

Historical Context of Drumcree Disputes

The Drumcree parade has been a flashpoint since the 1990s. The Parades Commission has blocked the order from marching along the Garvaghy Road in July every year since 1998, following violent clashes that led to a number of people being killed and widespread tension. Last month, a High Court ruling quashed its most recent determination over the march, after which unionist politicians heavily criticised it. The current application seeks a reduced, silent procession.

Political Responses and Community Concerns

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty acknowledged past events, stating, “We know the impact that that had in the community, the trauma that that had, but also the aftermath of that, the killings that took place in that community as well, which we’re still dealing with today.” Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomed the group to the Dáil and said government officials are “monitoring the situation closely” while being “mindful of the role of the Parades Commission”. The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition also raised concerns about a large gathering of bands in the town on Saturday night, warning of consequences for the community regardless of whether the parade gets down the road.

Parades Commission Ruling Looms

The Parades Commission’s decision, expected to be made public on Friday, will determine whether the Orange Order’s 60-member procession on Sunday 27 September proceeds. Residents remain skeptical, with O’Neill noting, “We have been let down before.” The outcome could trigger further responses, as the community prepares for potential events.