The Twelfth in Fermanagh: Thousands attend parade in Ballinamallard

Cars were queued up early to gain a much-coveted parking spot in the Fermanagh village and deckchairs were lining the streets from 9.30am onwards.

One gentleman who spoke to this newspaper was sitting in his deckchair at 9.20am looking forward to the main parade at 11.45am.

There was a festival-like atmosphere from early on when traders put out their stands.

The Armstrong sisters enjoying The Twelfth in Ballinamallard.

One local resident had their own tuck shop in their front garden, while other groups such as the Young Farmers Club, 1st Ballinamallard Scouts, brethren from one of the local lodges and member of the newly formed Mallard Community Hub were out and about early on, long before the parade.

Speaking ahead of the Twelfth, Committee member Caroline Campbell was looking forward to a busy day out for the Mallard Community Hub.

The team of volunteers had 500 burgers, 300 sausages and plenty of smiles to hand as they awaited crowds to descend.

The parade was led by the Garrison District No 14 who had a new banner on display as well as Garrison Accordion Band, who were parading in new uniforms as they celebrate their 65th anniversary.

Garrison Accordion Band leading the parade in Ballinamallard.

The band made the decision to change the colour of their uniforms to navy blue – a return to their roots as ‘The Melvin View True Blues’ as they were formally known.

Also sporting a new uniform were members of Ballinamallard Accordion Band, who had their new uniform dedicated on the morning of The Twelfth prior to the main demonstration in the village.

One local band was also celebrating a significant anniversary as Enniskillen Pipe Band are marking their centenary year and were proudly parading alongside Enniskillen District No. 5.

Brethren with LOL 1420 marching along in Ballinamallard.

County Grand Master Bro. Mervyn Byers was hoping his predictions of no rain would come true when he spoke to The Impartial Reporter.

Speaking to this newspaper, he said: “There is a great buzz about the town, and I don’t think the weather has put people off.

“We are looking for a family atmosphere here today. I am really pleased to have Garrison leading the parade today with their new banner and the accordion band with their new uniform.”

He continued: “Things are looking good in Fermanagh; we unveiled a banner in Magheraveely last week and there is a wee bit of a buzz within the Orange [Order].

“If you look around now, there are young people coming out [to join the Order], which is great to see.”

Lisa Mavitty with Holly and Joseph Graham.

Stand Bearers with North Fermanagh Young Defenders.

In his address, Wor. Bro. Rev. Abraham Storey, County Grand Chaplain of Co. Cavan Grand Orange Lodge, spoke on the passage of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Addressing the Assembly Field, Rev. Storey said: “Today we live in a fast-paced world where it is easy to overlook the needs of others.

“Many do not realise that as we recover from the pandemic, along with the cost-of-living crises, there is a great need in our communities.

“This need must be met by all Christians everywhere, and mercy must be shown to all people, regardless of denomination, race, creed or colour.”

Brethren from Co. Leitrim attending The Twelfth celebrations in Ballinamallard - Bro. Elvis Curran and Bro. Ashley Matthews.

A piper with the Irvine Memorial Pipe Band during The Twelfth in Ballinamallard.