Ballymena Irish Republican Parade

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Saturday July 30, 2005 16:40 by Roisin Clark - Friends of United Irish Women

SDLP Proffer Alternative Route say Organizers

First Irish Republican parade in Ballymena since the gathering of the United Irish men and women in 1798.

32 CSM calling on Republicans to attend.

Friends of William Orr (Ballymena Parade).

29th July 2005



Press Release





"The Friends of William Orr" Parade Organizers are to appeal against the recent Parades Commission determination and in particular those restrictions placed by the Commission which the William Orr Group describe as " a decision that permits a gathering but prevents the parade from moving."



Speaking after a meeting with the SDLP,



Friends of William Orr spokesperson, Paddy Murray said,



“The Ballymena branch of the SDLP remains constructive, enthusiastic and supportive of our initiative and its main objective to remove bonfire culture





“The local SDLP representatives proffered alternative routes to better accommodate the parade. But he added, when contacted the Sinn Fein MLA for the area declined to meet with the organizers.” Ends




Notes:

Meeting SDLP and Parade Organizers, Wednesday 27th July 2005.
Parade Commission determination Thursday 28th July 2005.