Statement from Loyal Ulster after last week’s High Court judgment on their Drumcree parade...
WE recognise that the victory handed to us by the Lord Almighty at nearly the highest court in the land will have caused some concern among the residents of the Garvaghy Road.
That’s why we have urged our members and Brethren across the Province to avoid the mistakes of 1995, when Brothers Trimble and Paisley overdid the celebrations a tad. That’s why we only handed out one medal on the day the judgement was made – to Jamie Bryson LLB, whose expertise in court brought us to the improved position we find ourselves in today. While Jamie had to sit in the public gallery because he’s not an actual lawyer in the actual lawyer sense of the word, his determination and professionalism were worth celebrating outside the court, so much so that it was worth winding up the Garvaghy Catholics just a little bit. And what greater sign from above can there be that it’s been 28 years since we last marched up the Garvaghy Road – and 28 years is exactly the same amount of time Jamie has been studying to be a lawyer.
We’ve been informed that one of the main concerns of the people of Garvaghy is that large crowds may again assemble at Drumcree in the event that we’re knocked back again; and in particular that loyalist paramilitaries and the DUP might once again be rubbing shoulders in that big field. We would point out, however, that Brother Billy Wright is no longer with us and we have received an assurance from the UVF and the UDA that anyone they send along will be nowhere near as scary as King Rat. A few Shankill Road debt collectors and a handful of Rathcoole drug dealers will be as heavy as it gets.
It's been reported that Portadown District has taken delivery of a new banner in anticipation of their march up the Garvaghy. Claims that the banner is triumphalist and inflammatory are way off the mark. In fact, the message on the banner is short and uncontroversial: ‘Ha, ha. Slap it up yiz. Drumcree Buckfast Crew 2027.’
In terms of bands and music at the expected Drumcree parade, all present will be asked to show concern for local sensitivities. Traditional hymns like ‘No Pope of Rome’, ‘The Billy Boys’ and ‘The Famine Song’ will by played at half-volume and the traditional ‘Yeeeow!’ at the end will be dropped.
In acknowledgment of past hurts, the Lenny Murphy Young Protestant Conquerors Flute and Stanley Knife Band has agreed not to lead the parade. That honour will instead go to the Rising Sons of Lenny’s Madder Cousin, who will be holding a collection on the day for their nominated charities, Deport Them All and the Moygashel Arts Collective.
