Close to 100 Junior Orange members took part in the first ever Junior Orange parade to be held in Ballinamallard on Sunday.

Junior members from Fermanagh and Tyrone joined senior brethren as well as members from the Women’s Orange Order for what was described as a “brilliant day” by David Black, Worshipful Grand Master of Ballinamallard District No 6 Lodge.

“It was a great day, the weather was kind to us and there was lots of colour on show. We are very pleased with how it went.”

The Junior members from Tyrone were led by Ballinamallard Accordion Band while the Junior Fermanagh members were led by Ballinamallard Silver Band.

“The church was full, and I don’t think we could have fitted any more in,” Mr. Black stated before adding that Rev Lorna Dreaning gave a “wonderful service; it was absolutely excellent”.

Junior Grand Master of Ireland, Roy Nixon, a County Down native, among other special guests was in attendance for the event.

Mr. Black was delighted with how the event passed off and is hopeful that the Junior parade will return to Ballinamallard in the future.

“Well, we are on the rota now. It usually comes round to each town or village every six or seven years so we are very happy that Ballinamallard is on of the venues now,” he said before concluding by saying that all in the Orange community are looking forward to coming summer;

“We have our annual church parades coming up now and we are all very much looking forward to that.”