MARCH RULING IN TRIBUTE TO OMAGH VICTIMS
March ruling in tribute to Omagh blast victims
ELEVEN Royal Black preceptories from Omagh have decided not to take part in the Institution's annual demonstration on Saturday at Donemana, because of the recent bombing.
The Loyal Order said it did not feel it could parade as normal because of the tragedy, which claimed 28 lives and injured scores more.
Meanwhile, the Newry Royal Black District has voluntarily restricted its parade route and will not process through the centre of the town.
The district said it was saddened that a small group of people could not tolerate the Co Down parade, which visited Newry once every 13 years.
In a statement, the district Chapter said: "Local Brethren have decided to try and reduce the tension that is being deliberately created and try to stop those opposed to us causing trouble and disruption in our town."
The nationalist Coalition Against Sectarian Marches has called off its protest against the march.
In Armagh, the Royal Black Institution has hit out at the Parades Commission ban on them taking their traditional march through the Shambles.
Primatial Royal Black District No. 4 had applied to parade morning and evening through the mainly nationalist area.
The Commission rejected the application on the grounds that there was the "potential for public disorder".
District Officers said the Institution is not, and never has been, responsible in any way for creating such a scenario.
The officials said members were committed to the principles of civil and religious liberty for all.
ELEVEN Royal Black preceptories from Omagh have decided not to take part in the Institution's annual demonstration on Saturday at Donemana, because of the recent bombing.
The Loyal Order said it did not feel it could parade as normal because of the tragedy, which claimed 28 lives and injured scores more.
Meanwhile, the Newry Royal Black District has voluntarily restricted its parade route and will not process through the centre of the town.
The district said it was saddened that a small group of people could not tolerate the Co Down parade, which visited Newry once every 13 years.
In a statement, the district Chapter said: "Local Brethren have decided to try and reduce the tension that is being deliberately created and try to stop those opposed to us causing trouble and disruption in our town."
The nationalist Coalition Against Sectarian Marches has called off its protest against the march.
In Armagh, the Royal Black Institution has hit out at the Parades Commission ban on them taking their traditional march through the Shambles.
Primatial Royal Black District No. 4 had applied to parade morning and evening through the mainly nationalist area.
The Commission rejected the application on the grounds that there was the "potential for public disorder".
District Officers said the Institution is not, and never has been, responsible in any way for creating such a scenario.
The officials said members were committed to the principles of civil and religious liberty for all.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0303
Published Date: 28-Aug-98
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