THOUSANDS of spectators and participants gathered in Rossnowlagh on Saturday, July 11 for the annual Orange Order parade, which traditionally kicks off the Twelfth of July season south of the border.
More than 50 lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan took part, joined by bands and members from Northern Ireland and further afield, with the parade forming from St John’s Parish Church before platform proceedings and a service conducted by Canon Rev Brian Russell, Rector of Drumholm Parish.
The event, held each year on the Saturday ahead of the main Twelfth demonstrations, went ahead in bright sunshine, drawing families from as far afield as Antrim and Fermanagh who mixed with locals over food and stalls throughout the demonstration field.
Thirsty work at the Orange parade in Rossnowlagh last weekend. Photo Antrim LOL.
County Grand Master David Mahon said the day had unfolded in “a very relaxed atmosphere”, adding: “It’s always a carnival type of day with lots of families here enjoying a really good time.”
He pointed to the strong ties between the order and its neighbours in the village, noting that local landowners regularly offer up fields for car parking and other needs on the day, support he said had continued unwavering down through the years.
He also described the Donegal parade as a point of connection that transcends the border, framing the shared faith, heritage and Orange tradition as something binding members together regardless of which side of the border they called home.
Ahead of the parade, Mr Mahon had said Rossnowlagh’s coastal setting made it one of the most scenic venues on the Orange calendar. The fine weather he had hoped for made the day all the more pleasant for those in attendance.