Rasharkin loyalist band parade provocation falls on deaf ears

The Pride of the Maine band stopped beside nationalist protesters and played 'The Sash' with no small amount of venom

► From Peadar Whelan in Rasharkin

SINN FÉÍN MLA Daithí McKay has praised the residents of Rasharkin in north Antrim for their discipline despite provocation from loyalist bands on Friday evening.

Some of the loyalist ‘Kick the Pope’ bands tried their best to provoke a reaction from anti-parade protesters.

The Pride of the Maine band (Ballymena), in particular, went out of its way to stir things up when it stopped – in breach of Parades Commission determinations – beside nationalist protesters and played The Sash with no small amount of venom.

Jim Allister MLA, leader of the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice party, stood just yards from the incident.

Other complaints from nationalists included the display of UDA and UVF flags.

Daithí McKay told An Phoblacht that, compared to other years, this year’s parade, organised by the Ballymaconnelly Sons Of Conquerors, was “very low key”.

He said that the decision by the Parades Commission to limit the number of bands to 25 instead of the 44 filed for by organisers was a welcome move.

“Also the decision of the PSNI to deploy local officers and keep the TSG riot squads out of the frontline helped as well,” said McKay.

In the past, the small nationalist village of Rasharkin was besieged during the annual loyalist parade.

As many as 40 to 50 bands – including the Freeman Memorial named after UVF bomber Geoffrey Freeman – paraded through the village then congregated at the mainly nationalist end of the village before returning to their Orange Hall.

The village was practically under curfew as the RUC then latterly the PSNI deployed hundreds of personnel to facilitate the parade.

Residents are thankful that the parade passed off as quietly as it did. One local said:

“The bands seemed very subdued tonight. Maybe they know it’s time to talk.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal McLaughlin said that the core issue of respect has not been dealt with and direct dialogue is needed regarding the Ballymaconnelly parade which takes place every year in Rasharkin.

Councillor McLaughlin said:

“The residents feel that the Parades Commission determination didn't go far enough. It still allows for a large loyalist parade with paramilitary trappings through a mainly nationalist village that causes disruption to residents and local business owners.

“The residents still want dialogue and that dialogue should happen now. This is only one of many parades that Rasharkin has every year.

“We also have the leaders of unionism saying that talks between the residents and parade organisers should take place. So let’s start those talks.

“While the residents are still disappointed in the determination it also states that the Commission is disappointed that there has not yet been direct contact between the parade organisers and Rasharkin residents and the Commission expects this to be rectified in the near future. 

“The band need to heed this and engage with the residents in face-to-face talks.

“What everyone wants is a peaceful summer and for our part Sinn Féin will be there to support the residents. This issue can be resolved but for that to happen face-to-face dialogue needs to take place between the parade organisers and the local residents.”

◼ A bomb alert earlier in the day ended at 6pm, an hour before the parade was due to start. A device was taken away for examination.

Below: The Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors