12-07-2025
Sun shines on Augher as it hosts Twelfth festivities for first time in six years
Clear skies and scorching temperatures of up to 28C brought people out in their hundreds to watch bands parading through the streets of the village.
Family groups, the elderly and young people all came out to watch the festivities with the sweltering temperatures meaning ice-creams, frozen bottles of water and plenty of drinks were the order of the day
Bands and lodges assembled on Favour Royal Road shortly after midday before making their way through the village to the demonstration field next to the town graveyard.
The parade was headed by district officers from Fivemiletown LOL No.15 and Annahoe LOL No.6.
Recently appointed Worshipful District Master of Fivemiletown No.15, Nigel Trotter, told the crowd: 'I hope everyone is having an enjoyable day and I would like to welcome you all to our Twelfth in Augher.
'I extend a very special welcome to the officers and brethren of our neighbouring district, Annahoe, who have joined us today in our celebrations. A cordial welcome also to our visiting brethren from Monaghan and Cavan.
'This is a very special occasion for me personally, it's my first Twelfth as district master and the first time it has been held in my home village of Augher.
Watch: Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland
'I am sure you would all agree with me that the village and here in the field has all been very well decorated.'
Blistering temperature across Northern Ireland meant vendors were doing a roaring trade throughout the day as people did their best to stay hydrated.
Two of the many revellers lining the route were veteran Orangeman Trevor (70) and his wife Helen (67), from Lisburn, who attended despite Trevor's ill health.
Helen said: 'It was a bit tiring for us walking along the parade route to the field and back again in the heat but we had a lovely day.
'Trevor has been coming for over fifty years and we both go to the parades every year. He had a stroke earlier this year which has affected his mobility but he still wanted to get out and enjoy the bands.
'He's got a brand new collarette this year for their 300th anniversary of his lodge, we always enjoy the religious service and the barbecue.
'We enjoy it because everyone is welcome and anyone can come along with their families and enjoy the day.'
Local businesswoman Tracy Smyth (48), owner of Arty's cafe in Clogher, set up her brand-new food trailer on the field and was delighted with her day at the Twelfth.
She said: 'This is only our second voyage out in our wee trailer so it's very exciting to be here, the weather is fantastic which really helps and it's been lovely.
'The sun always makes things much better, the cafe is local to here so we've seen a lot of our customers along the parade route and got plenty of trade which is great.
'This our first time doing the Twelfth because we only just got the trailer up and running and it's not too far to travel this year.
'It's been a wee bit stressful getting everything organised but I've really enjoyed it.'
Despite the good vibes Tracy said she had been subjected to some negative comments while setting her stall up the previous day.
She continued: 'I'm in a cross-community marriage and I was putting my pitch up on the Eleventh and the abuse we were getting from people passing by was shocking.
'They were giving us the finger and shouting insults, they've no idea who I am or what I believe.
'I was brought up to go to the Twelfth every year, my daughter was actually born on the 12th of July and that was the first one I ever missed.
'We raised our children to make their own minds up and they can take it or leave it, culturally I'm not really into the bonfires as I think some people take things too far. It's not for me.
'I like our local bands and the parades and the music and the way it gets everyone together.'
