Menu
29/10/2008
Belfast Parade Row Deepens As Drogheda Honours Veterans
While wreaths bearing the Royal Crest will this weekend be laid alongside those in Irish Tricolour colours in an annual cross-border commemoration for WWI British soldiers in Drogheda, (pictured) disagreement continues over the following day's Belfast Services' parade.
Sinn Féin's high profile protest against the armed forces' homecoming parade on Sunday is "unhelpful", the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church has said.
In a letter to party President Gerry Adams, Dr Donald Patton said the spirit of the parade was one of "thanksgiving" rather than "triumphalism".
Dr Patton said both Catholic and Protestant personnel from both sides of the border had served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Such an example of co-operation is to be welcomed in this divided land of ours," said the Presbyterian leader.
The church leader's comments will be reflected on Saturday as members of Whiteabbey Royal British Legion jointly remember Irishmen who fought and died for the British forces.
The former soldiers and many friends from across Northern Ireland - including the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Victor Robinson - will join with the Irish Ex-Service Mens' Association at Drogheda's Mary Street War Memorial for the only such annual all-Ireland remembrance event.
Former Northern Ireland Royal British Legion Chairman, John Dumigan, said: "This important tribute to those who served in 1914-18 for the common good has grown from a small party of representatives from Whiteabbey Royal British Legion being invited by former Mayor Sean Collins to take part in the revival of a long-neglected ceremony to what is now an important annual cross-border event."
However, while the wreaths are being laid in Co Louth without controversy and the 'Last Post' sounded - by a bugler whose own grandfather served at The Somme - and an inter-denominational religious ceremony recalling the service and sacrifice of thousands who joined the British forces will take place, the Sinn Féin leader ruled out calling off the party's protest just hours later.
Mr Adams said: "The history of the British Army in Ireland was one of great cruelty and hurt."
NI First Minister Peter Robinson is already on record as saying that the Parades Commission's decision to allow the Sinn Féin parade was a "recipe for disaster".
(BMcC)
Sinn Féin's high profile protest against the armed forces' homecoming parade on Sunday is "unhelpful", the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church has said.
In a letter to party President Gerry Adams, Dr Donald Patton said the spirit of the parade was one of "thanksgiving" rather than "triumphalism".
Dr Patton said both Catholic and Protestant personnel from both sides of the border had served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Such an example of co-operation is to be welcomed in this divided land of ours," said the Presbyterian leader.
The church leader's comments will be reflected on Saturday as members of Whiteabbey Royal British Legion jointly remember Irishmen who fought and died for the British forces.
The former soldiers and many friends from across Northern Ireland - including the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Victor Robinson - will join with the Irish Ex-Service Mens' Association at Drogheda's Mary Street War Memorial for the only such annual all-Ireland remembrance event.
Former Northern Ireland Royal British Legion Chairman, John Dumigan, said: "This important tribute to those who served in 1914-18 for the common good has grown from a small party of representatives from Whiteabbey Royal British Legion being invited by former Mayor Sean Collins to take part in the revival of a long-neglected ceremony to what is now an important annual cross-border event."
However, while the wreaths are being laid in Co Louth without controversy and the 'Last Post' sounded - by a bugler whose own grandfather served at The Somme - and an inter-denominational religious ceremony recalling the service and sacrifice of thousands who joined the British forces will take place, the Sinn Féin leader ruled out calling off the party's protest just hours later.
Mr Adams said: "The history of the British Army in Ireland was one of great cruelty and hurt."
NI First Minister Peter Robinson is already on record as saying that the Parades Commission's decision to allow the Sinn Féin parade was a "recipe for disaster".
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
