THE Ancient Order of Hibernians will mark the centenary of the Easter Rising this weekend.
Members of the organisation from as far away as Scotland will be in Ballycastle this Sunday for the organisation’s annual August outing to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, which takes place next Monday.
It is understood that Hibernians will be joined by members of a 1916 Society to mark the 100th anniversary of the rising.
Although not directly involved in planning the rising, once it began members of the Hibernian Riffles played a full part in fighting at the GPO and other locations in Dublin during Easter week.
Secretary of the Antrim County Board, which is organising the parade, Donald McCann said it is important for the organisation to remember the rising.
“As this is the 100th year of the 1916 rising we must remember our own AOH members who (took part) in this rising.
"The AOH backdates to the period of 1565 and our members are proud it has stood the test of time.”
Mr McCann said the organisation does not march through districts where it is not welcome as it has “a strong motto – friendship, unity and true Christian charity and their twin objectives are faith and fatherland.”
“The organises extend the hand of friendship to everybody to attend Ballycastle on that day,” he said
Bands from across the north will take part in the parade, which will be led by Tyrone base Brantry Pipe Band, through the seaside town.
Members of a Belfast based 1916 Society dressed in period costume will also provide a colour party as the march makes its way for the Coleraine Road to a platform set up in the Diamond area of the town.
Entertainment will be provided by singer Eamon McQuade before national officers make their speeches.
