Orangemen following King William’s footsteps

Launching the 2013 Loughbrickland and District Rural Development Association Festival, which runs until July 12 were Keith Murdoch, group chairman, Councillor Junior McCrum, who was Chairman of Banbridge District Council at the time of the photo, Jo-Anne Dobson, MLA, Rebecca Eillott, scottish dancer and James Fegan, piper with Moneygore Pipe Band, Rathfriland. Photo: Gary Gardiner.

Orangemen will recreate a little piece of history when they follow in the footsteps of King William of Orange at this year’s Twelfth celebration at Loughbrickland.

The demonstration field was the rendezvous point for his troops over three centuries ago who had dispersed in winter quarters on their way to the Battle of the Boyne. A large stone marks the Army’s camp location on the outskirts of the village.

This year’s demonstration is expected to be one of the largest in the country with upwards of 100 lodges and 80 bands are expected to take part.

Eight districts will be on parade – Lower Iveagh, Rathfriland, Banbridge, Lower Iveagh West, Bann Valley, Gilford, Newry and Loughbrickland.

The Twelfth was last held in Loughbrickland in 2005.

Those parading will leave the assembly field on the Legananny Road at 12 noon and march through the village via Scarva Street, Main Street and Dublin Road, under the A1 dual carriageway, to the demonstration field on the Grovehill Road.

Among the dignitaries on parade will be African Orangeman Foli Bruce, who is a former Grand Secretary of the Loyal Orange Lodge of Togo.

He will be joined on the platform by Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, and Samuel Walker, Deputy County Grand Master of County Down, and other senior district officers.