Crowds gather for Fermanagh Royal Black parade in Maguiresbridge

Molly Alexander, Caroline Nixon and Vera Blair.

This was the first full Fermanagh Royal Black commemoration since the beginning of the pandemic.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, County Grand Master Tom Elliott was delighted to see "good crowds" attend the parade and service.

A fine view down the street of the busy scenes as bands marched along in front of many onlookers.

He said: "Being the first session back after Covid-19, it was always going to be a challenge, but there were good crowds and a good influx of people from other areas.

"There were large contingents from the likes of County Antrim and the Republic of Ireland, and County Down as well, so we were very pleased with the number who came to it, to participate but also to watch."

Blane Bailey.

This year’s parade was hosted by Maguiresbridge Golden Star RBP 1018. At 12.30pm, the preceptories and bands assembled at the Hunter’s Sports Field, Tempo Road, Maguiresbridge before the main procession through the village to the demonstration field on the Lisnaskea Road, where the main commemoration event took place.

The reading of resolutions and the religious service started at 2pm on the afternoon, with praise led by Letterbreen Silver Band.

Bellanaleck Accordion Band.

The Institution’s Sovereign Grand Master, Reverend William Anderson, was the guest speaker on the resolutions, and County Chaplain Sir Knight Reverend Rodney Beacom conducted the service.

Leading the resolutions, Rev. Anderson said that it was time “to remind our UK Government that this part of the UK is not up for sale to – or for treaty with – any foreign power”.

Addressing the event at Maguiresbridge, Rev. Anderson said that “the memory of those who fought and removed such a foreign power then should encourage that resolve”.

Glenn Charles.

He continued: “We cannot be unaware of the dilution of our citizenship of the United Kingdom.

“It is hard to believe that a government would agree to the annexation of part of its sovereign territory without seeking the approval of the people in that territory.”

Trevor Kells, Eloise McCaffrey and Nicola McCaffrey.

Rev. Anderson added that “under the threat of Republican terrorism, we have been left with a border not between the UK and the EU, but between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK – a border in the Irish Sea”.

He continued: “This means that not only are there numerous customs checks for the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK but also, more importantly, our citizenship of the UK here in Northern Ireland is now different; it has been seriously eroded.

“Indeed, the Act of Union has been compromised.”

Marlene and Kenneth Robinson.

He added that, given the province’s contributions over the past 100 years to the UK, the government should step up to the mark by providing “a fully working and functional health service; an education system that delivers for our children; a social care system that meets the needs of our people”.

Speaking on the 'Loyalty Resolution', Rev. Anderson referred to Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year service to the nation, and the Commonwealth, and commended her “service, devotion and commitment” as an example of great leadership.

“There is much to learn from her example, which many today within the glitz and glamour of the media world would do well to stop and consider,” he said.

Following the main commemoration event, the preceptories and bands once again paraded back through the town, with the day concluding at 4.15pm.

Commenting on the good weather on the day, Mr. Elliott said: "It was lovely weather. People were more relaxed, they had their picnic, or they went and had some food in the town, they stayed about until it was all over."