Scaled back parade as Apprentice Boys commemorate ending of siege

Just 30 members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry (ABOD) paraded along the famous city walls this year, in stark contrast to the many thousands who normally take part in the annual celebrations.

ABOD governor Graeme Stenhouse described the much smaller event as “humbling” but dignified.

On Saturday, he said: “I would say today we created history – there’s never been anything like that before.

“I thought it was a very humbling experience,”

Mr Stenhouse added: “We’re living in unprecedented times and we look forward to 12 months’ time when hopefully there aren’t any guidelines in place and we’ll be able to come back to Londonderry and celebrate our culture, our history and identity in a bigger manner.”

The governor led the small group of Apprentice Boys from the city walls to the war memorial at The Diamond for a wreath-laying ceremony.

From there, the procession made it way to an outdoor service at the Siege Heroes’ Mound in the grounds of St Columb’s Cathedral.

A small police presence remained in the city throughout but there were no reports of any incidents.

A number of similar small ABOD commemorations also took place across Northern Ireland on Saturday.

The ABOD was formed to commemorate the 13 young apprentices who, on December 7, 1688, responded to the sight of the Jacobite army by closing the gates of the city and seizing control of the city’s magazine.

Surrounded by the army of Catholic King James II, around 30,000 Protestant citizens had been under sieged for 105 days before the Williamite relief fleet broke the boom across the River Foyle on July 28, 1689.

The Jacobite troops were soon forced to flee and the starving survivors of the siege were freed.

Speaking ahead of the annual commemoration, Mr Stenhouse said: “As governor, along with the officers of General Committee” we would wish all our members good health and God’s blessing as we remember the bravery and fortitude of those besieged this coming weekend, remembering the ultimate joy they found in gaining release from their confinement.”

On Saturday, the governor said: “In this particular year we know that at many have themselves gone through the pain of loss and isolation as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions. In planning for today we have always kept in mind that everyone has a part to play in keeping others safe.“

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