Northern Ireland

Tributes to Co Armagh Orangeman Darryl Hewitt who was involved in trying to resolve Drumcree dispute

Co Armagh Orangeman Darryl Hewitt died on Tuesday following a battle with pancreatic cancer
Co Armagh Orangeman Darryl Hewitt died on Tuesday following a battle with pancreatic cancer Co Armagh Orangeman Darryl Hewitt died on Tuesday following a battle with pancreatic cancer

A CO Armagh Orangeman who was involved in trying to resolve the Drumcree parading dispute has died following a battle with cancer.

Darryl Hewitt died at his home on Tuesday.

He is survived by his wife Irene, children Steven and Sarah, and the wider family circle.

Posting on Facebook, Portadown Orange District LOL No 1 said there was "great sadness" and a "sense of shock" following the news.

Mr Hewitt had been Worshipful District Master of Portadown district LOL since 2006.

"As you are aware Darryl had been bravely fighting pancreatic cancer, a fight which we all thought and Prayed he was winning," the post read.

"In July past, Darryl felt unwell and in August was admitted to hospital for tests. Unfortunately, these tests and scans brought bad news and on the 2nd February Darryl lost his brave fight".

The lodge said that over the past 15 years, Mr Hewitt had been "instrumental to trying to resolve the Drumcree impasse and bring the District into the modern era.

"He will be sorely missed by the District Officer team and all the Brethren in Portadown District."

Mr Hewitt will also be remembered for having met then Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in 2008 to explain the `Orange ethos'.