Newry

In August 1996 this so called residents coalition led by Gary Jones prevented an orange flute band from walking their traditional route at their annual band parade. They also stopped local members of the Royal Black Preceptory from parading in Newry the next day - despite the fact that the route of these marches was through commercial rather than residential areas. Gary Jones was only resident in Newry for 6 months before getting involved, previously involved in a residents group in Bellaghy, the chair of which was a member of SF/IRA.

The newly-formed Camlough Road Concerned Residents Group in Newry led by Gary Jones are trying to stop a church parade to Newry town centre. The parade traditionally marches from Altnaveigh Orange hall at the outskirts of Carnaget and goes down the Camlough road to the town centre. However, the construction of the Newry by-pass has closed a minor road traditionally used by the Orangemen and now they have to use an alternative route. Which brings them closer to their roman catholic neighbours.

This parade is very inportant to the protestant community as it is a reminder of the dreadful deed done against the Protestant community in the 1920s.

To learn more about Altnaveigh and what it means to the Protestants of Northern Ireland Click here and Altnaveigh massacre and the list of murders committed by the IRA in Co Armagh

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