Latest news with #BattleOfTheBoyne
BreakingNews.ie
15 hours ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
OPW bans green and orange colours from Battle of the Boyne site
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has banned tour guides from wearing green or orange clothing at the site in Meath where the Protestant King William III defeated the Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne. The location is of particular significance to unionists, as William's victory in 1690 established Protestant dominance in Ireland and is commemorated by the Orange Order with a series of marches on July 12th each year. Advertisement The rule prohibiting guides from wearing green or orange at the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre is not contained in the official OPW Guide Handbook, which is supplied to guides and information officers at heritage sites. Instead, the directive is being communicated directly to new guides by a supervisor at the visitor centre after they have been hired, according to emails released under freedom of information laws. The instruction, which is believed to be aimed at respecting the sensitivities of both unionist and nationalist visitors, is not the only unusual dress-code directive issued by the OPW to its guides. A section of the handbook dealing with clothing and uniform requirements specifies that 'nudity is prohibited at all sites'. Asked why it was considered necessary to include this in its dress code for new tour guides, the OPW declined to comment. Advertisement The Battle of the Boyne visitor centre was developed following the allocation of €15 million of government funding in 2005. Last year, a further €10 million was provided for the centre under the Shared Island initiative. The site was famously chosen as the venue for Ian Paisley's first official meeting as Stormont's first minister with Bertie Ahern in 2007. The then-Taoiseach presented the DUP leader with a musket used in the Battle of the Boyne. Ireland Irish Prison Service urged for halt of extra court... Read More An email titled 'Welcome aboard' sent by a supervisor to a newly hired seasonal guide last year contained details of the dress code for staff at the visitor centre. It prohibits items including army jackets and clothes that feature 'slogans, badges or emblems'. The email stated that 'green and orange are not permitted on site'. The OPW provides an annual allowance for guides where colour-coded clothing is mandated by local management. This is payable at a rate of €210 for permanent guides, and €100 for seasonal workers. The OPW declined to comment when asked about the prohibition of green and orange clothing at the Battle of the Boyne site.
The Independent
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Twelfth of July: Thousands join Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland
Tens of thousands of people joined Twelfth of July celebrations across Northern Ireland, braving scorching temperatures for the traditional Orange Order parades. Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages as the region marked the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades typically consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands, drawing support from spectators along their routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's festivities, spread across 19 main locations, also featured calls for unionist political parties to collaborate. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union, which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops, but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures
Tens of thousands of people have been taking part in Twelfth of July celebrations in scorching temperatures throughout Northern Ireland. Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. This year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops – but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.
BreakingNews.ie
12-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Twelfth of July parades begin across Northern Ireland
Twelfth of July celebrations have begun across Northern Ireland. Tens of thousands are taking to the streets across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. Advertisement The festivities will be spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. An Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident on Saturday. Members of the Orange Order gather at Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA) DUP leader Gavin Robinson will address the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will deliver a speech at the Lisburn parade. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. Advertisement The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation, and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. It was a challenging & extremely busy night for NIFRS. Between 6pm & 2am, we received 277 emergency calls. This resulted in our Firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of these incidents were bonfire related. Read our full statement: — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) July 12, 2025 Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. Advertisement More than 4,000 police officers and police staff will be working on July 12th. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was €7 million (£6.1 million) last year, a figure that was up €1.7 million (£1.5 million) on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1st to August 31st, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. Advertisement The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. Preparing for the Twelfth at Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA) This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has urged mutual respect in the marking of events. He said: 'Our officers will be on the ground throughout the weekend, working in partnership with community leaders, event organisers, and local representatives to support lawful, peaceful and family-friendly events. However, where necessary, we will take firm and proportionate action to keep people safe. Advertisement 'Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone.' On Sunday, an Orange Order parade will return past the Ardoyne shops but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. It is a return parade at the former flashpoint, which traditionally took place on the evening of July 12th, often resulting in violent scenes. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: The Twelfth of July celebrations
Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July of Orange Order members take part in the annual marches to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in event is also a celebration of Protestant traditions and Ulster-Scots heritage, and comes after bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland on the Eleventh a look at some of the best pictures from the celebrations.
