PROTESTS against the potential return of border controls within Ireland as a result of the Brexit vote took place on Saturday with hundreds turning out in support.
The demonstrations at six locations were organised by campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit.
The group describes itself as a group of people "from all sectors" who have "come together out of concern that the north’s remain vote will not be respected."
In the June referendum, 56 per cent of voters in Northern Ireland opted to remain in the European Union despite an overall UK vote to leave.
Amongst those attending the protests included elected representatives from Sinn Féin and the SDLP, clergy and businessmen alarmed by the possibility of the return of a "hard border".
At Carrickcarnan, on the border between Armagh and Louth, protesters erected a replica customs post to highlight the potential disruption caused by an end to the current Common Travel Area.
Declan Fearon, a businessman from Dromintee, Co Armagh, said: "We want the British government to respect the vote that was taken here and that was clearly to remain in the EU.
"There would be a huge impact from a business point of view.
"I live a mile and a half from the border and I remember the days when I had to travel to Newry with my load and sit there for two or three hours to get papers stamped, then drive to Carrickcarnon to get checked there, then to go to Dundalk to get further papers."
Mr Fearon added: "That took four to five hours, every single lorry crossing the border."
The Co Armagh businessman also hit out at the impact on certain parishes which straddle both sides of the border.
"I come from a community where the actual parish straddles the border so are you going to split that and divide that again as it used to be when all the minor roads were cratered and closed, where the customs check points were on all the main roads," said Mr Fearon.
He added: "No-one has explained to us how this will not happen."
In Co Tyrone, protesters turned out at Moybridge on the border with Monaghan, and at Lifford Bridge at the crossing with Donegal.
Demonstrations also took place between Belcoo and Blacklion on the Fermanagh-Leitrim border, Aghalane Bridge between Fermanagh and Cavan, and Bridgend between Donegal and Derry.
