Thousands expected in Rossnowlagh for annual Orange Order parade
Upwards on 50 lodges, including many from across Donegal, will be joined by visiting lodges from Northern Ireland, on Saturday for the Orange Order’s annual pre-Twelfth celebration in Rossnowlagh
Thousands of Orangemen will converge in Rossnowlagh on Saturday for the Orange Order’s annual pre-Twelfth celebration.
Upwards on 50 lodges, including many from across Donegal, will be joined by visiting lodges from Northern Ireland.
The Rossnowlagh event has been held since 1978.
It traditionally takes place on the last Saturday before the main Twelfth of July parades and is the only such parade in the Republic of Ireland.
Lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim as well as thousands of visitors from Northern Ireland will attend on Saturday. It is expected that they will be accompanied by around 40 bands.
A welcome will be given by the Grand Master of the County Donegal Grand Orange Lodge, David Mahon.
Some Orange lodges in east Donegal held annual services and parades in recent days.
On Sunday afternoon, the St Johnston Loyal Orange Lodge 992, accompanied by the Thiepval Memorial Pipe Band, marched from the Orange Hall to the Presbyterian Church for a service.
On Tuesday evening, the Thiepval Memorial LOL 1005 held its Battle of the Somme Commemorations, parading from the Convoy Orange Hall to the Presbyterian Church.