Kilkeel Twelfth: Mournes provide spectacular backdrop for huge parade

The Mountains of Mourne provided a spectacular backdrop for one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the parading calendar - a Twelfth in Kilkeel.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2016, 09:49 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 21:01 BST
Roden Accordian Band member Daniel Graham, aged 5 had the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel, 'well and truly licked'. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.Roden Accordian Band member Daniel Graham, aged 5 had the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel, 'well and truly licked'. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.
Roden Accordian Band member Daniel Graham, aged 5 had the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel, 'well and truly licked'. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.

One thousand members of the Orange Institution make up the largest Orange district in the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and the fishing port is filled to capacity when the Brethren and their supporters come town.

The Mourne parade is particularly family-orientated, with 14 of the 15 lodges taking part yesterday doing so accompanied by their own band.

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Among those stepping out, at what has been nominated as one of two ‘flagship’ events for 2016, were members of the largest private Orange lodge in the world - Ballyvea LOL 343a with its 154 members.

The Chesnutt family of Cranfield, Kilkeel, put their 'best foot forward' during the the 326th Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel.. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.The Chesnutt family of Cranfield, Kilkeel, put their 'best foot forward' during the the 326th Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel.. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.
The Chesnutt family of Cranfield, Kilkeel, put their 'best foot forward' during the the 326th Battle of The Boyne, Flagship Twelfth celebrations in Kilkeel.. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.

This year, the town’s lodges parade left Kilkeel Orange hall at 9.30am for the walk of several miles to the outskirts of town, where they met brethren and accompanying bands from Annalong and Ballymartin.

The main parade then made its way through the town to the Manse Road.

Visitor holidaying in the popular resort helped swell the crowds and create a carnival atmosphere, and a pageant and fireworks display took place as part of the Eleventh Night celebrations ahead of yesterday’s event.

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A new district bannerette, commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme, headed the parade.

Three year old Jake Dunne, created his own style of drumming at the Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.Three year old Jake Dunne, created his own style of drumming at the Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.
Three year old Jake Dunne, created his own style of drumming at the Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.

It has been a memorable year for Mourne District following the opening of the impressive, new Kilkeel Orange hall in late 2015. The contemporary building is now regarded as one of the most significant Orange properties in Northern Ireland.

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, congratulated both the Portadown and Kilkeel parades achieving tourist flagship status.

Mr Stevenson said: “Both venues are worthy ambassadors as Twelfth tourist flagships.

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“The flagship programme, which has been constantly evolving for over 10 years, has been an enormous success and has helped to develop the potential of and broaden the appeal of our parades.”

Watching us watching you.....One of the Brethren of Aughnahoory Heroes LOL No. 343B, films the Mourne District LOL No.6 Flagship Twelfth Demonstration, while on parade in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.Watching us watching you.....One of the Brethren of Aughnahoory Heroes LOL No. 343B, films the Mourne District LOL No.6 Flagship Twelfth Demonstration, while on parade in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.
Watching us watching you.....One of the Brethren of Aughnahoory Heroes LOL No. 343B, films the Mourne District LOL No.6 Flagship Twelfth Demonstration, while on parade in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.

He added: “The Twelfth of July offers a unique opportunity for the Orange Institution and the bands community to showcase our culture and heritage, and we are confident of welcoming increasing numbers of visitors, tourists and families to all of our demonstrations across Northern Ireland.”

Mourne District Master Trevor McConnell said a warm welcome is guaranteed to everyone which is why the Mourne area is a well-supported Twelfth.

“Mourne District is delighted to have been awarded flagship status for this year’s Twelfth in Kilkeel.

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“The Mourne Twelfth is always a very enjoyable day for families and we wish all visitors a hearty Mourne welcome.”

The fearless soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division and their Sacrifice at the Battle of The Somme, were fondly remembered during the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.The fearless soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division and their Sacrifice at the Battle of The Somme, were fondly remembered during the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.
The fearless soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division and their Sacrifice at the Battle of The Somme, were fondly remembered during the 326th Anniversary, Battle of The Boyne Flagship Twelfth in Kilkeel. © Photo: Gary Gardiner.

Mr McConnell said this year’s event was “particularly poignant as we remember and respect all the fallen of the Somme”.

Among those on parade for the return leg was Lagan Valley Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson, having joined the morning parade in Lisburn. Mr Donaldson, who is orginally from Kilkeel, is a member of Orangefield LOL 564.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said the flagship status initiative was a boost to the tourism industry: “Increasingly we are seeing more and more international visitors coming to Northern Ireland keen to experience the biggest day in the Loyal Orders’ parading calendar on the Twelfth of July.

“With a programme of events alongside the traditional demonstration the flagship programme offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the culture, music and pageantry of the day.”

Related topics:KilkeelJeffrey Donaldson