The Orange Order often describes itself as a religious organisation. That’s religious in the sense of the Christian religion. If that is correct, it must be a world leader in religious orders that foment public disorder.
Here are just some of the disorder and death the Orange Order brought onto the streets during the nineteenth century.
1849: The Battle of Dolly’s Brae. That’s when 1500 Orangemen on their way home chose to march through the Catholic village of Dolly’s Brae. When the dust settled at least 30 Catholics had been killed.
1857: The Belfast Riots. Egged on by anti-Catholic ranter Roaring Hugh Hanna, the Orange riots continued for several months and there were “several’ Catholics killed.
1864: The Belfast riots. The foundation stone for a monument IN DUBLIN was laid. Orange Order rioting erupted in Belfast and went on from 9-19 August, ending in 316 injuries and 11 deaths.
1872: Belfast’s ‘Seven Day Civil War’: vicious sectarian rioting, number dead uncertain but 4,400 police and troops had to be brought in.
1886: Gladstone’s Home Rule for Ireland bill was defeated, and Orange Order crowds celebrated by attacking Catholic homes and businesse in Belfast. Approximately 50 Catholics were killed.
This same Orange Order is today insisting on the right to parade through the Garvaghy Road, where it knows there are lots of Catholics.
The Orange Order, as its history and rules make clear, is an anti-Catholic organisation. It feels it’s been hard done by, the way the people of the largely-Catholic Garvaghy Road don’t want that same order to march through their area.
If you can’t see the sectarian simplicity at the heart of this whole affair, with its camouflaging layers of 35 or 60 Orangemen, music or no music, early in the morning or later in the day, submissions and judgements, banners and bowler hats, maybe you should check with your local psychiatrist.
One final thought: isn’t it odd the way Gavin Robinson is upset with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and seems to have amnesia on the matter of former First Minister Jeffrey Donaldson.
This must be broadcast from loud speakers. People need reminding of what the orange order actually is. You’re 100% right about the amnesia being experienced by Gavin and co because his pontificating billy big balls statement was vomit inducing.