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Books: Updated history of Orange Order focuses on organisation's political narrative

Is the Orange Order part of Ireland's sectarian problems or part of the solution to them is among the questions posed by Kevin Haddick-Flynn, author of a newly revised history of the controversial organisation. He told Noel McAdam about the book

The annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye The annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

KEVIN Haddick-Flynn would be first to admit his original book on the Orange Order was less than satisfactory. Ill-health at the time prevented the author from properly completing his work, which he says was "finished in haste".

But it is now 20 years since Orangeism: A Historical Profile first appeared and Haddick-Flynn has finally filled in the gaps to present a much richer and fuller picture.

It is, he says, a straightforward and detailed history written without either bias towards the controversial institution or malice against it. Yet his conclusion is that the organisation is "drifting" and has been too ready to exploit "ancient broils".

While acknowledging that this view may be regarded by some as cynical, he none the less says: "It is hard to avoid the question: Does [the Orange Order] offer a tainted cup or a healing balm... is it part of the problem or the solution?"

So what was found wanting about the initial book and what is new about the updated 550-page tome?

"The first edition had to be finished in haste," says Haddick-Flynn. "I have long wanted to return to the subject and write a more considered version and to include material originally omitted.

"I had been unable to deal at length with Northern Ireland during the premierships of John Millar Andrews and Lord Brookebourgh et al, and during the period of the Second World War.

"The Troubles were also dealt with sketchily. All these periods are now dealt with comprehensively, and the Orange musical tradition and international Orangeism are dealt with more fully."

Yet he confesses his account is highly personal and that he has concentrated on the political narrative to the "almost total exclusion of social and other matters".

"Naturally, it represents one man's viewpoint. On orange and green issues I am essentially neutral. But I am a strong supporter of the Good Friday Agreement [which the Orange Order has opposed] and believe wholeheartedly in power-sharing," the author adds.

There is both orange and green in his own background, the 'Haddick' portion of his surname originating in Co Fermanagh with a strong Church of Ireland background. But what, to use a loaded term, are his 'qualifications' to write about Orangeism?

He has attended numerous Twelfth of July demonstrations in Belfast and elsewhere, the July 13 'sham fight' in Scarva and the twice-yearly Apprentice Boys celebrations in Derry, as well as Eleventh Night bonfires, he informs me.

He also visited Orange Headquarters, particularly when it was based in Dublin Road in Belfast as well as Brownlow House in Lurgan – home of the Black Institution – Dan Winter's Cottage in Loughall where the order was founded, as well as walking Dolly's Brae near Rathfriland.

"I also visited the battlefields – the Boyne, Aughrim and so on, as well as the locations of various sieges – Derry, Athlone and Limerick – and was accompanied by an army colonel and military historian so I am confident my accounts are authorative."

The new material also includes an uncovering of the foundation of the Free Presbyterian Church by the Rev Ian Paisley and details on the 36th Ulster Division at the Somme.

There have been numerous books about the Orange Order in recent years. The late Rev Brian Kennaway's The Orange Order: A Traditional Betrayed is referred to copiously by Haddick-Flynn; other accounts have included Ruth Dudley Edwards's The Faithful Tribe: An Intimate Portrait Of The Loyal Institutions, veteran BBC journalist Mervyn Jess's The Orange Order, and Drumcree: The Orange Order's Last Stand, by Vincent Kearney and Chris Ryder.

Haddick-Flynn disagrees with the suggestion that it has become a crowded field, however.

"The Orange tradition has been ignored by many mainstream historians. As a secretive fraternity reproducing the allegiances and ideals of sectarian Protestantism, it has been seen as a negative force and something of a hot potato, with nothing worth investigating beneath its froth and anti-Papal rhetoric," he says.

"This view is, I believe, mistaken. Orangeism is really a rather submerged world of God-fearing and generally decent and humble men – people who often struggle to keep the modern, secular world at bay, through their reenactment of ancient rituals and mantras."

In his book, Haddick-Flynn also examines the tradition of marching bands – which have no formal connections with the Orange lodges they accompany, he says – the strange rituals of membership (riding the goat, anyone?) and the subtleties of associated bodies like the Black Perceptory and the Purple Order.

"As an organisation, the Orange Order has often been its own worst enemy – it has too frequently been pig-headed in its attitudes and has shown a spectacular naivete and ineptitude in its public relationships," the author says.

"But in recent decades this has changed and today its openness and outreach can be commended."

Haddick-Flynn seems especially taken with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's groundbreaking visit last year to the orders' spanking new HQ in the former Castlereagh Council building in east Belfast.

"I wholly agree with Varadkar's view that Orange parades should be welcomed in the Republic – Orange bands have participated in St Patrick's Day parades there and the Order's invitation to President Higgins to attend the annual ceremony at Rossnowlagh in Donegal is still, I understand, very much open," the author goes on.

The original book in 1999 came in for some criticism, most trenchantly from Steven King, the then senior adviser to Ulster Unionist Party leader and later first minister, David Trimble, in a newspaper review. Even after all these years, Haddick-Flynn remembers it – though, as he recalls, the negativity had minimal effect since "the book reached the paper's top 10 listings.".

In conclusion, Haddick-Flynn says: "Traditionally an Orange lodge has been a focus for friendship, conviviality, charity, moral education and cultural expression.

"But it has also had less attractive aspects, particulary in urban areas – where roughs and toughs have often abused and debased its purpose and traditions."

:: Orangeism: A Historical Profile by Kevin Haddick-Flynn is published by Troubador, priced £20, and is available now.