I’m sure this will go down really well.
Orangemen in Armagh have requested to hold a parade on the day of the All-Ireland football final.
The group have used the excuse of the county featuring in Sunday’s final against Galway to try and march in a nationalist area of the county.
They’ve asked the Parades Commission to be allowed to march down the Garvaghy Road, an area that is largely home to a nationalist population.
One of their arguments is that due to the All-Ireland final being played in Dublin, large parts of the area will be vacated by the fans who have travelled south or gone to pubs and sports bars.
If accepted they plan for the parade to start at 3 pm – half an hour before the All-Ireland kicks off.
Orange Order release statement.
In advance of their proposal Armagh released a statement that said: “As a District we believe by applying for a parade on Sunday 28th July 2024 at 3pm from Drumcree Church will bring the least impact on the majority of the community that live there, as most will either be away to Croke Park, or will be in clubs, pubs or at home watching and supporting their County, Armagh GAA playing in the final of the All Ireland.
“As a District we believe that this is an opportunity where the 1998 parade can be completed without bringing major disruption to the area and community.
“Over the last 26 years there has also been a big change in demographics of who live within this area with a lot of foreign nationals coming into the area, so we believe that the time is now to look at all the factors again and a decision made with more up to date facts…
“The ball is now firmly in the courts of the PSNI, the chair and commissioner’s of the parades commission to make sure that they look at all the factors and make a decision based on them and not to be cutting and pasting determinations, what has happened from 1998.”
Orangemen unlikely to have parade accepted
While their hopes may be high, it still may not be enough to get a parade.
The Orangemen have tried to parade through the area since 1998 in which their attempt to march in the area sparked violent scenes.
Armagh will play in their first All-Ireland final since 2003.
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