A local district of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has offered to meet with a group of young adults after their members and band members were subjected to sectarian abuse while on a Church parade.

A statement released on the Florencecourt Loyal Orders Facebook page by Glenawley District 8 referred to a “disturbing incident” on Sunday, July 3.

A District Lodge spokesperson detailed the incident and said: “Last Sunday was our annual Church parade to Drumduff Methodist Church for District No. 8. We were also accompanied by Florencecourt Flute Band, who currently have eight band members of primary school age. While waiting by the road side to form up, the lodge and band were subjected to a barrage of obscenities, profanities and sectarian abuse from a bus load of young adults.

“Language that no group of four and five year olds should ever have to hear, never mind the other members of the lodge and band who were present.”

Recalling some of the sectarian language used, the spokesperson said: "Examples included ‘F**king black b****rds, ‘black f**kers’ and chants of ‘Up the RA!’. All of which were accompanied with banging the windows and an assortment of rude hand gestures.”

The spokesperson continued: “Understandably this behaviour was frightening for the children and the use of such language is appalling, especially as everyone was on their way to worship at a church service.”

The spokesperson detailed that PSNI were on hand to assist during the incident which involved a group of young adults.

He said: “PSNI responded quickly, pulling over the bus and spoke at length to the group of young adults from Donegal. One culprit was identified by police and the 16-year-old boy’s details will be passed to the Gardai and his parents will be contacted by the PSNI.”

Expressing concerns at the incident, the district lodge spokesperson said: “What we as a group feel is most concerning is that the group were aged 16-19 and to express such bitterness is highly alarming. Through the medium of the PSNI, the community has extended the invitation to these young people to make contact with us and to get a better insight into our faith and culture in the hope that they will reflect on their behaviour."

Wishing to give those involved in the incident an insight into Orangeism and their faith the spokesperson concluded: “We're more than willing to meet with any of those from the bus to give them an insight into our culture and faith as we realise that informing, educating, and challenging misconceptions is key to a better understanding.”

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine was amongst those who reacted to the incident. In a statement she said: “So much for respect and a shared society. Absolutely despicable behaviour from individuals who are completely ignorant, of a peaceful, dignified religious parade.Those responsible should be ashamed of themselves. Particularly given young children were subject to this incident.

She continued: “Well done to Florencecourt Loyal Orders for highlighting this incident. It serves as a reminder that there are still some in society who have no respect for other people, who want to enjoy and display their culture and identity.”