|
TWELFTH PARADES IN MARKETHILL
IN BYGONE YEARS
(as reported in local newspapers)
1830
“At an early hour this morning, the respectability, health, youth
and beauty of the surrounding countryside began to pour into
Markethill. A little after 10 o’clock, between 30 and 40 Lodges came
into town, all belonging to the District of Markethill; and after
perambulating the streets (which they did in a very becoming and
orderly manner), displaying Orange banners, playing loyal and
appropriate airs, they proceeded to meet their brethren in Armagh.
In the evening, they returned home quietly, soberly and peaceably.
They then separated, to go home to their respective Lodge-rooms, to
partake of the festivities of the evening”.
1835
“By break of day, the inhabitants of the surrounding neighbourhood
were to be seen moving in all directions, to celebrate the
anniversary of a day, held always dear by every genuine Protestant,
and sincere lover of civil and religious liberty. At about 8
o’clock, the Ballymacally Lodge No 788, made its appearance - about
60 individuals, in procession, to join other of their brethren in
Markethill. They were all young men of most unblemished and
peaceable character. It will be truly gratifying to the friends of
harmony and good order, to hear this little band of patriots, during
the entire day, conducted themselves in a most peaceable, sober,
orderly and praiseworthy manner, returning home in the evening
without an intoxicated person among them, and without offending, or
giving offence to any”.
1836
“The glorious, pious and immortal memory of the Battle of the Boyne
was celebrated here on Tuesday, by the time-honoured custom of a
public procession; and the whole proceedings of the day were happily
conducted without the least indication of a riotous nature”.
1845
“At an early hour today, the roads and streets exhibited an
unusually stirring appearance. Indeed, the slightest glance at the
cheerful look and the light step of even the aged was sufficient to
convince the most casual observer that this was a day of revivings.
Many of the houses were very tastefully decorated in front with
different devices of hearts with ‘William III’ in them; arches; etc.
A beautiful little flag was fixed up on a very tall tree in the
angle at the head of Newry Street and the foot of Main Street. About
11 o’clock a few Lodges of Markethill and its vicinity met in the
town, and proceeded thus to Portnorris, to meet the Scarva and
Mullaglass Lodges. At 2 o’clock they all marched into Markethill in
good order, with flags floating in the breeze. There were nineteen
flags, and about three thousand persons in the procession”.
1870
“The Orangemen of this town stayed at home. During the day they
marched up and down the street, beating drums (of which there were
about
twenty), playing fifes, and unfurling flags. They were followed by
an immense crowd, numbering probably 3,000. The Roman Catholic
inhabitants of
Newry Row did not interfere with them in any way whatever. The
drummers played opposite the residences of Rev Mr. Mitchell
(Presbyterian) and Rev Mr. Sullivan (Episcopalian). All appeared to
look upon the day as a holiday”.
1874
“On the evening of the 13th instant, as the several Orange Lodges
were returning from Markethill to Loughgall, a flag was interfered
with by a man
named Cassidy, a dealer in fowl, and a Roman Catholic, and a very
serious row took place, which continued for an hour. During the row,
several
windows were broken and Cassidy was severely handled. By the
friendly help of a few Orangemen, the police were enabled to have
Cassidy conveyed to the barracks, when peace was restored. We
understand that a local magistrate, Mr Small, was knocked down in
the row no less than three times”.
1877
“The Orangemen of this locality assembled in this village at eleven
o’clock, and proceeded to Mountnorris, where the several Lodges of
the Markethill District, under R Black. District Master, assembled,
every Lodge being represented, to celebrate the Twelfth
in a becoming manner.
An
extra number of the RIC arrived on Wednesday to preserve order”.
1878
“The Orangemen of this District assembled at Markethill. About half
past ten o’clock the various Lodges assembled in the town, and
proceeded down the Newry Road to meet the brethren from Mountnorris
and Bessbrook. After marching about three miles, the contingent was
met, when they returned to town. The procession now assumed a very
imposing size, which consisted of twenty-one Lodges. Each Lodge was
proceeded by beautiful banners and music. Arriving in town it was
considered time for refreshments, so the whole party broke up in the
street, and adjourned to dinner. During the day the greatest harmony
and good-will prevailed. The authorities, apprehensive of some
disturbance, made ample provision for preserving the peace by
drafting in some extra police. Their services, however, were not
required. About five o’clock in the evening the procession was again
reformed in marching order, and left the town. The Orangemen
belonging to Markethill left their country brethren a considerable
portion of the way home, and then returned to their respective
homes”.
1879
“The brethren of the several Lodges of the Markethill District in
and convenient to Markethill assembled here at 11 o’clock, and being
joined by a few of the Lodges from the Armagh District, who came by
rail, formed in procession and marched to Tandragee. They returned
in the evening -those from Armagh going by their special train at 7
o’clock, and those of this District directing their steps the
shortest road home. We had continuous rain all day. There is no
disturbance in this locality”.
1889
“For the first time in the history of Orangeism the beautiful
demesne of the Gosford family at Markethill was thrown open for the
accommodation of the brethren. The invitation so spontaneously given
was as warmly accepted, and upwards of 10,000 loyal men assembled
beneath the flags of their several Lodges. The utmost enthusiasm
prevailed.
At the entrance to the demesne a beautiful arch was erected, on
which was inscribed the word ‘Welcome’. Amongst the Orangemen
present was Bro Craig, a Canadian delegate. Bro Thomas George Peel
presided, and in the course of his remarks said he had to
congratulate the brethren upon assembling in that demesne, to which
they had access for the first time within the memory of living
men They were assembled in Gosford Demesne today to do honour
to a worthy old Orangeman, Bro Robert Black of Markethill. That was
one of the chief reasons that brought the men of Armagh, Markethill
and Richhill together today. They were honouring a worthy
brother
1908
“The meeting of the Orangemen of Mid and South Armagh was at
Markethill, and here the brethren of Armagh, Keady, Killylea
(including Caledon), Markethill, Newtownhamilton, and Bessbrook
assembled. The Tynan and Killylea brethren came by train, as did the
Armagh contingent (having assembled in the Gaol Square and marched
to the station), whilst the Richhill, Hamiltonsbawn and Keady
brethren came by road. Markethill was gay for the occasion, arches
and streamers with loyal and welcoming mottoes spanning the streets.
Most of the Lodges had bands, but those who had not were provided
with big sounding drums, whilst the number of fine banners carried
was noticeably large. Killylea District, with Sir James Stronge at
their head, led the way, but unfortunately just at this juncture
(12.30) heavy rain began to fall and continued till 2.30, so that
many left the field”.
1918
“Markethill and Richhill Districts met in Gosford Demesne, and as
these are very strong in numbers, the procession presented a very
imposing appearance. The suitability of the place of meeting and the
favourable nature of the day made the holiday enjoyable. The meeting
was both unanimous and enthusiastic. Rev Mr Auchmuty presided.
Rev H H Moore in proposing the resolutions said: There was nothing
in any of them which every loyal Irishman, and indeed for the matter
of that, every loyal citizen of the Empire, could possibly disagree.
They emphasised that they present that day were firmly and united
determined to maintain the legislative between Great Britain and
Ireland, and that as loyal citizens of His Majesty the King, they
were resolved to prosecute the war to a successful and victorious
close”.
1920
(Bal leek)
“Newtownhamilton, Markethill and Benburb Districts, together with a
contingent from Castleblaney, attended a meeting adjacent to
Carrickgallogly Church (near Balleek). The weather was showery, but
only at the commencement of the meeting did any rain fall. The
assembly place was at Whitecross, where there was a goodly gathering
and the procession made a brave show en route, many new banners
being observed.
The Motion that Bro R W S Maltby, Rector of Ballymoyer, take the
Chair, was proposed by Bro W J Scarr, Markethill, and seconded by
Bro Moorehead, District Master, Bessbrook. The rendering of ’O God
Our Help in Ages Past’ preceded the speeches, after which prayer was
offered by Bro Rev H E Hardy, Kilcluney.
In extending a hearty greeting to the visiting brethren the Chairman
said they would agree with him that the rain would not cause the
colour to run out of a single Orange sash, nor damp their ardour for
the justice of their cause”.
1930 (First County Demonstration in Markethill)
“The brethren of the Orange Order this year chose Markethill as the
rendezvous for their annual demonstration; good weather graced the
occasion, and though the morning was gloomy, the sun shone
brilliantly in the afternoon, so that the thousands of holiday
makers were able to enjoy the day to the full.
Despite the fact that Markethill is on a single line of railway, the
GNR staff managed the working of their trains so that the Lodges
were brought in and disembarked with the minimum of delay, the same
applying to the homeward journey.
The brethren marched to the field in Districts, thus avoiding the
delay which is inevitable when it is sought to marshal the whole
County into one long column, but in spite of this it was an hour
after the arranged time when the speech-making began, and even then
all the Districts had not arrived at the field. Shortly after the
meeting began the first District marched out on its way home.
The demonstration was held in two large fields on the Newry Road,
which had been lent by Mr F L Mallagh, and were very suitable, being
roomy and pleasantly situated. The Chairman of the meeting was the
County Grand Master, Bro Sir Wm J Allen, DSO, MP, but even his
presence on the platform could not quell the noise of drumming,
which made this part of the proceedings almost impossible to follow,
and utterly impossible to report fully”.
1946
“Outstanding feature of Markethill’s demonstration was that the men
were in the Order, not standing with the lookers-on. Amongst the
many spectators were very few men, they were all wearing colours and
marching with the Brethren in the almost two mile long procession.
Assembling on the Commons and Newry Road, the procession of 42
Lodges chiefly from Markethill and Tandragee Districts, including
some 20 bands and 70 big drums, with banners and flags of orange and
purple, walked through the gaily decorated streets to Gosford
Demesne, where the meeting took place. The field, surrounded by
trees with a warm sun shining overhead, was a colourful
sight.
The meeting took the form of a short religious service, at which the
resolution of the day was proposed by Bro W J Black. JP, WDM, and
seconded by Bro J Parr, DDM, both of Markethill District. Bros R D
Meredith, WDM, and W Gracey, JP, DDM, Tandragee District, associated
themselves with the resolution, which was put to the assembly by Bro
S Todd. DM Glenanne LOL 133’.
1959
“The County of Armagh demonstration of the Orange Order last Monday
proved to be one of the largest for years, and it was estimated that
some 25,000 people poured into Markethill for the event. Of these
8,000 were Orange brethren and included not only the County Armagh
lodges but also lodges from Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal in
Eire.
At the head of the procession through the gaily decorated streets of
the town was the King George VI Memorial LOLNo 304 from Glasgow and
it was hours later that the last lodge entered the field, just
before the speeches began.
The weather, though not everything which could be desired, ‘kept up’
save for a short and slight drizzle as the last lodges were coming
in. After this the clouds thinned, the wind dropped and conditions
became much more pleasant.
The gathering round the platform was very large, maintaining the
increases of previous years and showing that public interest in
Northern Ireland and national matters is increasing.
The demonstration was held in two large fields on the Newry Road and
here the crowds thronged the refreshment tents and stalls, many run
by church congregations and all of which seemed to be doing a
thriving business.
The arrangements were in the hands of Bro W J Black, JP, District
Master of Markethill, and a committee, which certainly left nothing
to chance in it’s efforts to make everything go smoothly.
Presiding at the meeting was Bro R J Magowan, OBE, County Grand
Master, who welcomed the brethren from Scotland and Eire and read
messages of greetings, bringing promises of support for Ulster
Unionism, from Bro Ashmore Kidd, Imperial Grand Master; Bros S J
Reid, DGM Scotland, Gordon Keyes, Grand Secretary of British
America, and others.
The meeting opened by the singing of ‘0 God our Help in Ages Past’;
Bro Rev R B White, MA, County Grand Chaplain, led in prayer and Rev
J C Graham gave a Scripture reading.
The Chairman told of the three-legged pot suspended on a tripod near
the entrance gate. It was there because the Order had purchased the
house in Loughgall in which Bro Sloan has issued warrants, and they
wanted to raise the money to pay the purchase price”.
1969
“Thousands of Orangemen and their supporters thronged the town of
Markethill for the Twelfth demonstration on Saturday last, the third
occasion upon which a County parade has been held there. The streets
were decorated with bunting and the field was on the Keady Road.
Many commented on the fine arrangements ma4e for the day and Wor Bro
S Revels, WDM of Markethill, and his brethren, were thanked
accordingly.
A
slashing attack on Unionist members of Parliament at Stormont formed
the main burden of the speech delivered by Mr J A Anderson, Armagh,
Deputy Grand Master of the Co Armagh Grand Orange Lodge, when he
proposed the third resolution at the County demonstration. The
speaker said he believed much of the trouble in Ulster today stemmed
from what he described as ‘ineffective representation’ in the
Northern Ireland Parliament.
Other speakers were Bros Joseph Twyble, CGM, who presided; Sir
Norman Stronge, Her Majesty’s Lieutenant; Rev T Henry Holloway; W C
Moody, C R Morrow, K M Hamilton and R D Meredith.
The special address at the religious ceremony at the outset of the
meeting was delivered by the Rev C G Chart, DCGC, and the devotions
were conducted by the Rev J R M Crooks, GC, and the Rev N E
Mulligan, MBE, DCGC.
The attendance was the highest for several years and the weather was
excellent. No Stormont MPs were on the platform, but present was the
representative for Co Armagh at Westminster, Mr Jack Maginnis”.
1980
“Saturday last was only the fourth time in 100 years that Orangemen
celebrated the County Armagh demonstration in Markethill. Despite
overcast skies and a blustery wind, the monster rally - the biggest
ever seen outside Belfast - was an outstanding success.
Brethren began to gather as early as eight am. and when the Lodges,
bands and dozens of Lambeg drummers went on the march to the ‘Field’
at Keady Road, thousands of loyal spectators were already lining the
streets of the hilly mid-Armagh town.
In appreciation of yet another proud and glorious Twelfth,
Markethill folk had made a special effort to brighten their town
after the bomb blast which caused havoc on Friday, June 13.
Orangemen observed a minute’s silence for Security Force members who
have died at the hands of terrorists. The short tribute was called
for by the County Grand Master, Mr J A Anderson, before the
commencement of the speeches. Mr Anderson said some weeks ago the
IRA thought they would stop Orangemen parading in Markethill but all
they did was cause some damage. ‘The Spirit of the Markethill people
is better than ever before,’ Mr Anderson told Brethren. ‘The IRA
should have learned a lesson - they will not defeat the loyalists of
Armagh,’ he declared.
One of the highlights of the day was the appearance of King William
who rode his white horse through the town. In the form of Lisburn
man Simon Marshall, ‘William’ was one of the biggest attractions of
the day as he led the 22 Lodges from Tandragee District. His
appearance in Tandragee earlier in the day caused quite a stir,
which spectators and photographers relished. True to form, Armagh
MP, Mr Harold McCusker, proved his faith when he took over a Lambeg
drum. At the ‘Field’ there was applause for his speech, in which he
made a plea for the Orangemen to ignore the threat of republicans
and accused the Government of adopting a softly-softly approach to
security and blamed the SDLP of never supporting the security forces
in their ten years of office”.
1991
“County Armagh’s 1991 ‘Twelfth’ demonstration was on an even greater
scale than the Tercentenary celebration
of last year, with Markethill hosting a record-breaking event - the
town’s first ‘Twelfth’ since 1980.
Over 6,000 Orangemen and 90 bands took part in a magnificent
spectacle of music and pageantry, watched by over 10,000 spectators.
Cool and showery weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the
marchers or those who packed the pavements.
Markethill District LOL No 10 had pulled out all the stops to make
this a memorable ‘Twelfth’ and their efforts were highly successful.
The streets of the town were a mass of colour, with most houses and
business premises displaying the Union flag, and the main street
festooned with bunting. and the scene dominated by the fine Orange
arch.
From an early hour the route was crammed, and from the Portadown
District, with it’s 31 Lodges, paraded through the streets to the
Field shortly after 10 o’clock, until the last District arrived just
after one o’clock, the town resounded to the sound of music - flute,
accordion, silver and pipe - while the Lambegs thundered out their
traditional message with the Lodges from Tandragee, Portadown,
Loughgall and other strongholds of the big drum. It was a bracing
day, with a cool breeze blowing in from the Mournes, the mountains
being clearly visible from the Field.
The dull weather was interspersed with the occasional shower, but in
the early afternoon the sun broke through and the temperatures
increased appreciably.
Earlier in the morning, before the visiting Districts started to
arrive, Markethill District paraded the streets of their town and
held a short religious ceremony at the Memorial in the centre, to
the memory of 10 members of the security forces from the District
who belonged to the Orange Order and were murdered by terrorists.
Markethill had every reason to feel proud about a day when it showed
once again it’s ability to host a County demonstration in fine
style. Everything went smoothly, and it was the same on the return
parade as the Lodges paraded through the crowded streets to the
buses.
For the Royal Ulster Constabulary it was one of the busiest days of
the year, and they handled it all with tact, coping not only with
huge crowds, but also returning many children lost during the day to
their anxious parents”.
2003
EASILY the biggest crowd in a decade
at a Co Armagh Twelfth thronged the streets of Markethill on
Saturday, 12 July 2003.
The attendance was reliably estimated
to be well in excess of 25,000 and, in warm summer sunshine, the
family atmosphere came into play after the 165 Orange lodges, 80
bands and Lambeg drums had reached the field at Mowhan Road.
Fun-fare amusements, a bouncy castle
and rows of stalls kept the young amused, and when 1,500 red, white
and blue balloons were let off at the conclusion of the platform
proceedings, there was a hearty cheer.
Families had picnics in the spacious
demonstration field and chatted and reminisced about current
affairs, and days of yore.
Markethill District LOL No 10,
organisers of the demonstration, had received a generous grant from
the Diversity Challenge project to develop the family community
Twelfth theme and, after an Eleventh Night festival in the town, the
mood was definitely up-beat.
The mile-and-a-half parade route was
lined with spectators to watch the lodges from Markethill, Portadown,
Richhill, Tandragee, Armagh, Lurgan, Killylea, Keady Newtownhamilton
and Bessbrook.
The 22 lodges of Loughgall District,
representing the 1795 cradle of Orangeism, had a large and
impressive turn-out of lodge members, bands and Lambeg drums. The
Portadown, Tandragee and Lurgan districts were also out in large
numbers, again with dozens of Lambeg drums. Several lodges and bands
from Co Monaghan were on parade, with one Knocknanin LOL having 40
members parading behind a 40-strong band. Three Scottish flute bands
- Armadale, Broxburn and Glenmavis - added a Tartan touch to
proceedings.
A Queen's Coronation parade with local
women splendidly dressed in period costume created a big interest as
they walked at the head of the parade.
 |
