Carnival atmosphere as Twelfth enjoys best day of summer

It was the first time in eight years that the most important day in the Orange Order's calendar has taken place in Lisnaskea, and what a show they put on for the thousands of men, women and children who turned out.

People of all age groups filled the streets of the county's second biggest town from early morning, eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite flute or pipe band, or lodge. Indeed, if the Orange Order wants the Twelfth to be known as a "day for all the family" then a quick walkabout a packed Lisnaskea on Tuesday proved they certainly got that again this year, along with really tremendous weather.

There is no doubt that the glorious sunshine boosted the mood, tenfold, as brethren and supporters from Border counties took part in the annual cultural celebrations on what was the 321st Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

Another tradition in Fermanagh is the rather strong cross Border relationship the lodge has with its southern counterparts.

Again, this was clearly evident on Tuesday, as Orangemen from County Leitrim led the parade, accompanied by their fellow brethren from Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal. Those participating from the Irish republic were given a very warm welcome to the county.

Billy Johnston from Cavan has joined in with the celebrations in Fermanagh for as long as he can remember.

"How long have I been coming here? I'd hate to tell you," he laughed. "This is my holiday so I always celebrate it here with a few pals. I enjoy it because I've been coming here all my life, and I will continue to come here," he said.

John Trull from Monaghan added: "The relationship between North and South is a very important part of the Twelfth. I've been coming here since 1972 - Fermanagh does it well. There is always a really good volume of people." "The whole day has been a fantastic success," beamed Julian Thornton, spokesperson for the Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge.

"The main thing I was worried about was the rain, but as ever, it stayed away and it was a glorious and warm Twelfth. There has been a fantastic turnout of Orangemen and women, and people in the streets. When there is a big crowd like this it boosts the moral of those taking part, there is no question about it. I want to thank everyone that came out and showed their support," he said.

District Treasurer of Enniskillen, Jim Nixon, added: "It has always been a good family day out. I think it's more so that way nowadays, especially for the likes of young children and so on. It's good to see so many people from both sides of the community out watching us." Members from the Fermanagh Districts; Lisbellaw; Enniskillen; Ballinamallard; Kinawley; Glenawley; Lisnarick; Pettigo; Magheraboy; Church Hill; Maguiresbridge; Garrison; Tempo, Newtownbutler and hosts, Lisnaskea paraded proudly through the town. They were joined by a variety of local bands, including Florencecourt Flute Band, Enniskillen Pipe Band and Church Hill Silver Band.

Two new bands took to the streets this year, too, for their first Twelfth. They were; North Fermanagh Young Defenders Flute Band and Enniskillen Fusiliers Flute Band. Both groups say they want to dispel any of the "negative perceptions" that marching flute bands sometimes attract and watching the reception they received on Tuesday proved they certainly have built up a loyal fan base already.

Twin sisters Natalie and Nicola Hughes from Belfast left the big smoke to sample the Orange tradition in Fermanagh.

"It's a brilliant day out," beamed Natalie. "It's our first time here for the Twelfth, and we love it," added Nicola.

Hosting the Twelfth was a great opportunity for the business people of Lisnaskea to showcase their services to thousands of people, including the huge number of tourists who escaped from places like London and Belfast to see how it's done, West of the Province.

Alma Kinnear who owns the Kissin Crust, for example, was just one of the many shop owners who made the most of the day - even if she had to get up at four o'clock in the morning to prepare all kinds of sandwiches, burgers and refreshments.

"We are so proud to be hosting the Twelfth. So many people come from all over Ireland, North and South, just to enjoy a Fermanagh Twelfth and we want people to enjoy the hospitality on offer here in our coffee shops and stalls," said Alma, who celebrated eight years in business on Tuesday and recalled opening up for the first time during the last Twelfth celebrations in Lisnaskea. Ballinamallard pensioner Robin Paget has been going to the Twelfth for 60 long years. He has played in a number of bands over the years and now likes to just enjoy the day. He said he was "delighted" with the turnout and added: "The great weather makes a big difference".

Canon Dr. William Johnston has also been taking part in Orange celebrations here for 60 years.

"I like the music, meeting friends, meeting different people from all walks of life, and spending time with the family," he said.

Canon Johnston read at the religious service at Cushwash on the Newtownbutler road. The address was given by Worshipful Brother Rev. Mark Watson, a member of Trory LOL 647.

He called on those present to join with the "community of the faithful" and show "a personal commitment to love God". He also appealed for everyone to "respect one another" and paid tribute to the Orange institution in Fermanagh.

"It was the struggle of our forefathers who by hard work turned this land from a wilderness of the wind, thorns, ash and bog land into our own Philadelphia. Our own city of brotherly love. We still have a Christian duty towards our neighbour because our faith tells us so," he said.

And the message of support and 'neighbourly love' that Rev. Watson preached about was clear as two weeks after their Orange hall was destroyed in an arson attack, members of Inver Flute Band received immense support from those watching and taking part in the parade. As they paraded through the town there was plenty of applause along the route - a fitting tribute to those men and women of Inver who are determined to see their burnt out hall rise from the ashes.

Visiting Orangemen from England; Michael Borrott, Tom Parkinson and Richard Creighton, showed their support for Inver this week, too, by donating money towards the rebuilding of the hall. Owen Wilson, who welcomed the men to the parade, said the local brethren "can be assured" they will get all the assistance they need.

"The attempted ethic cleaning of the Protestant community from South Fermanagh by murder over several decades has seemingly been replaced by a campaign to destroy their culture. Although a remote location, what happens in Inver is of concern to Orangemen in England," he said.

Meanwhile, there was a considerable police presence in the area on Tuesday but officers were hardly needed, according to Inspector Roy Robinson of Enniskillen Police Station.

"It was very peaceful, especially when you see all the different families in the field. I would pay tribute to everyone who took part or turned out to see it. It's good to see everybody enjoying themselves, and even better to see there was no trouble," he said.