It was a return to normality for many as the annual Rossnowlagh Twelfth demonstration returned to the coastal Donegal village last Saturday.

The parade has not taken place since 2019 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with subsequent restrictions seeing the Rossnowlagh gathering temporarily halted until this year.

With Rossnowlagh renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and unique setting, this year’s Twelfth near the sea attracted a large crowd.

As always, there was a large Fermanagh presence, with all of the Fermanagh districts represented and a strong contingent of Fermanagh bands also on parade.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland had estimated that upwards of 50 lodges from counties Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan, as well as visiting brethren from Northern Ireland and further afield, took part in the parade, which began from St. John’s Parish Church.

The demonstration was addressed by the Assistant Grand Master Wor. Bro. Mark Smyth, who spoke of the impact of the creation of Northern Ireland 100 years ago, and its impact on Orangeism in the Border counties, and across the Republic of Ireland. 

He said: “I want to pay tribute, not only to our Donegal brethren, but to all our members in the Border counties of the Republic of Ireland.

“As we recently commemorated the creation of Northern Ireland, we are of course mindful that just over 100 years ago Partition was not something to be celebrated by the Orange family in Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim and in other parts of the island.”

He later added: “Disappointing as it will be to some, we most certainly have not gone away, and we have no intention of doing so in the future – not in this beautiful corner of Donegal or, indeed, throughout the rest of this jurisdiction.”

Mr. Smyth also paid tribute to the endeavours of the organisation during the Covid-19 pandemic, and said: “Whilst those years were most certainly a challenge to us all, the Orange family did not simply go into hibernation.”

He also highlighted the work of members in providing financial and practical support for refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

A religious service was held only yards from the Atlantic Ocean, and was conducted by Rev. Brian Russell, the rector of Drumholm Parish.

The collection was in aid of the Orange charities.