Twelfth: Ahoghill alive with sound of massed Lambegs

The fierce crack of massed Lambeg drums rang out across the playing fields of Ahoghill during the Twelfth of July, as hundreds of Orangemen from 16 lodges marked the biggest day in the parading calendar.
Alan Mark, Sammy Connor and Robert Moore, all from LOL 504, shelter from the rain at AhoghillAlan Mark, Sammy Connor and Robert Moore, all from LOL 504, shelter from the rain at Ahoghill
Alan Mark, Sammy Connor and Robert Moore, all from LOL 504, shelter from the rain at Ahoghill

The Co Antrim village, to the west of Ballymena, hosted a huge contingent of the distinctive Ulster drums, along with the accordions and flutes from nine different bands.

The roughly two-mile outward march began at about 12 noon at Killane Road, to the east of the village, and proceeded to the playing fields and community centre off the Cullybackey Road.

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It was there that the bandsmen and marchers halted as the three Orange resolutions were read out – affirming devotion to Christian teaching, loyalty to the Queen, and hailing civil and religious liberty and democracy.

This young spectator tried grandads bowler hat for sizeThis young spectator tried grandads bowler hat for size
This young spectator tried grandads bowler hat for size

Rev Sherrard McKay delivered an address, in which he mentioned the carnage of the Battle of the Somme, and also spoke of Isaiah 53.

This Old Testament chapter focuses on the suffering of a blameless redeemer, and is often said to have foretold the coming of Christ through lines such as: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (NIV).

In addition to the day’s religious message, music, and spectacle of the day, the event also catered for young children, with two bouncy castles, an assault course, and the appearance of Orange mascot Diamond Dan.

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Typically, the event rotates around a “triangle” of towns on a year-by-year basis – Ahoghill, Cullybackey, and Portglenone.

Clare Wilson and daughter Clea watch the parade from their carClare Wilson and daughter Clea watch the parade from their car
Clare Wilson and daughter Clea watch the parade from their car

Among those taking part in this year’s Ahoghill gathering was lawyer Peter Brown.

A member of Gracehill LOL772, he is also the secretary of Ahoghill district.

The 41-year-old joined the Orange Order about seven years ago, and credits the family-friendly nature of the event annual “triangle” with spurring him to sign up to the institution.

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The former Ahoghill resident estimated that about 300 to 400 Orangemen had been involved in this year’s gathering.

Members of Killyless Accordion Band in the fieldMembers of Killyless Accordion Band in the field
Members of Killyless Accordion Band in the field

He said they had been greeted by “big and enthusiastic crowds” along the way.

He said that, in total across the various lodges and bands, there had probably been around 20 Lambeg drums on parade.

And as marchers paused at the playing fields before for the return leg of their journey, Lambeg drummers signalled for them to start reassembling by starting to drum en masse and in unison.

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Standing around 60 metres away (about 200 feet) whilst around a dozen were drumming together in a circle, Mr Brown said: “Suffice to say if I was working now, I’d need ear defenders under some sort of health and safety legislation!”

The noise at the field was too much for this young girlThe noise at the field was too much for this young girl
The noise at the field was too much for this young girl

This year, to mark the Somme centenary, Ahoghill had also changed its archway on the Ballymena Road outside the district Orange Hall, to include images of what appear to be a postcard from the battlefront, and a depiction of the 36th Ulster Division going over the top of the trenches.

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