PICTURE GALLERY: Crowds enjoy day at Royal Black parade
THE small picturesque village of Kesh was packed to capacity on Saturday for the annual Fermanagh Royal Black Preceptory demonstration.
Enjoying the pleasant weather conditions, several thousand spectators, including many holidaymakers, lined the streets of the north Fermanagh venue as around 40 lodges and accompanying bands stepped out on parade.
As is traditional, Sir Knights in the lakeland county march on the second Saturday in August in commemoration of the Battle of Newtownbutler which took place in 1689.
It was also a special day for the Fermanagh Grand Black Chapter which marked its 150th anniversary.
After assembling at a field on the Ederney Road, the procession made its way through the village en route to the demonstration field on the Mantlin Road, where a religious service was held.
The honour of leading the parade, as is long established, along the short one-and-a-half mile route went to visiting brethren from the border counties of Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. Sir Knights from neighbouring Tyrone were also in attendance.
Local Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott was on the march with his own preceptory while party colleague, Sam Gardiner, was among the visiting dignitaries.
Sir Knights, all immaculately dressed in their bowler hats and aprons, were joined by a good combination of pipe, brass, accordion and flute bands that added colour and sound to proceedings.
Fittingly, the event also took place during the opening weekend of the long-established Kesh Carnival.
The religious service was chaired by County Grand Master Hazlett Moore, a member of Tubrid Royal Marksmen RBP No 1235, who hosted the parade.
The guest speaker was former Ulster Unionist MP the Rev Martin Smyth, who also dedicated new collarettes for county grand officers.
Sovereign Grand Master Millar Farr proposed three resolutions, focusing on faith, loyalty and constitutional matters.
Reflecting on a "successful" day, Deputy County Grand Master Robert Dane insisted the so-called Black Saturday was a firmly established date in the local marching calendar.
"It went very well and we were very pleased with the turn out," he said.
"There is always a good atmosphere and a lot of people around. The Fermanagh parade has its own unique character in that there is never any trouble and it is always a good family day out."
Mr Dane also said the institution remains strong in terms of membership in the county.
"It is holding up very well and the numbers on parade was once again proof of that," he said.
Following the religious service, Sir Knights paraded again through the
village before making their way home.
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Weather for Belfast
Sunday 12 February 2012
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