Northern Ireland

Orange Order lodges applaud the Derry Minor All-Ireland Champions

Members of a Co Lodge applaud the Derry All Minor Champions
Members of a Co Lodge applaud the Derry All Minor Champions Members of a Co Lodge applaud the Derry All Minor Champions
By Sophie Clarke

Orange Order lodges have joined in the applause as crowds welcomed home the Derry Minor All–Ireland Champions.

Derry achieved a sixth All-Ireland Minor Football Championship title with a victory over Monaghan at the Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh. The Oak Leaf county won by 1-13 to 0-9.

Whilst waiting to welcome the team home, crowds in Moneymore noticed that the local Orange Order lodges were waiting until the bus had passed through the village before starting their parade.

The men stood respectfully and many applauded the team as the Derry minors’ bus drove through the same road as the Order’s parade.

This was a stark contrast to when Derry won the All-Ireland in 1993 when loyalists blocked the bottom of the main street in Cookstown attempting to prevent the bus bringing Sam Maguire into the county through Moneymore.

Read more: 

What is the Orange Order?

Derry Minors bask as their smart work and bravery pay off

Derry Minors' Eamon Young and Oisin Doherty embrace at the final whistle. Picture: Philip Walsh
Derry Minors' Eamon Young and Oisin Doherty embrace at the final whistle. Picture: Philip Walsh Derry Minors' Eamon Young and Oisin Doherty embrace at the final whistle. Picture: Philip Walsh

Read more:The emotional side of the county’s sixth All-Ireland minor title, and a second in three years, was very evident

SDLP Moyola councillor Denise Johnston praised the reception by Orange Order bandsmen.

"I took great heart from the reception given to the team, not just by the crowds gathered to welcome them back, but by Orange Order bandsmen in the area who were waiting to begin their parade in the village," she said.

“This simple gesture of respect meant a lot to those who were there and it’s something we need to see more of across Northern Ireland if we are ever going to move forward. It also serves as an important reminder at a time when many are trying to raise tensions that the vast majority of people here want to live alongside their neighbours peacefully.

“While there are some things we may never agree on there is far more that unites us than divides us and showing respect for each other’s culture, identity and traditions costs us nothing. The actions of the bandsmen in Moneymore yesterday contributed to the great atmosphere in the village and is an example of how we can create better relations in communities right across Northern Ireland.”

SDLP member Rían Ó Néill said on Twitter: “This is a perfect example of the kind of mutual respect and good relations that are present throughout Moneymore.

"Although tensions and sectarianism often make the headlines, it’s important to highlight the good news of coexistence happening quietly across Northern Ireland.”

...coexistence happening quietly across Northern Ireland. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/4bYyi6BxYs

Elsewhere, Craigavon Protestant Boys Flute Band posted a picture during a parade in Cookstown over the weekend of a bandsman giving two young GAA fans a go on his bass drum with the caption: “You want a rattle at the big drum, not a problem son!”

The Orange Order is also discussing changes to its Twelfth of July Parade following 2022’s “abysmal” march.

Its usual route through Belfast is approximately 10 miles long but the proposed changes could see it shortened to a circular four-mile march cutting out speeches and finishing significantly earlier.