Castlederg republican parade reroutes voluntarily to defuse tension in Tyrone

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘There has been around 20 unionist parades through the town centre in 2013 so far without objection. We understand and accept people’s Britishness – others need to understand and accept our Irishness’

THE Tyrone Volunteers Day parade in Castlederg on Sunday 11 August was voluntarily rerouted by Sinn Féin earlier this week to try and defuse some of the controversy and tension stoked by unionist politicians. But the Parades Commission on Thursday added further changes to the route which organisers have criticised.

It was planned to reroute along John Street, which avoids passing the Cenotaph and the Methodist Church. The Parades Commission has now directed the parade away from the central Diamond area altogether.

Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí McHugh said shortly before the announcement of the Parades Commission announcement:

“On the back of this initiative, we wish to engage with all key stakeholders in relation to the issue of the town centre being designated as a shared space for all traditions, in this mainly nationalist town.

“There has been around 20 unionist parades through the town centre in 2013 so far without objection. We understand and accept people’s Britishness – others need to understand and accept our Irishness.”

This year’s Tyrone Volunteers Day commemoration was launched in July at the spot where Volunteers Seamus Harvey and Gerard McGlynn were killed 40 years ago on active service.

The Tyrone commemoration committee has made a decision to rotate Tyrone Volunteers Day around the county from here on in.

Castlederg has been chosen to host it this year as it marks the significant anniversary of two local Volunteers from the area.

The commemoration takes place on Sunday 11th August, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Seamus Harvey and Gerard McGlynn. The guest speaker will be Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly.

The annual commemoration remembers the 56 Volunteers of the IRA’s Tyrone Brigade and three Sinn Féin activists who lost their lives during the conflict.

At the launch, Councillor Ruairí McHugh said:

“I am absolutely delighted to launch Tyrone Volunteers Day in memory of our many friends and comrades from Tyrone who laid down their lives during the most recent phase of the struggle for Irish freedom.

“I want to pay particular tribute to the families of our patriot dead and reassure them that we are forever mindful of their loss and will continue to pursue the goal of Irish unity for which their loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We continue to be inspired by the dedication of everyone who has laid down their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. At 3pm on 11 August we will recommit ourselves and invite all republicans from Tyrone and throughout Ireland to join with us.”