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Loyalist band will not pass area where Catholic was murdered
Thursday, 28 May 2009
A decision to voluntarily re-route a potentially explosive parade in Coleraine has raised hopes the march will pass peacefully.
The Pride of the Bann parade had been due to pass close to the entrance of the Heights estate tomorrow night — near where 49-year-old Kevin McDaid was fatally beaten up on Sunday.
It was feared there could be a repeat of the violent scenes which led to Mr McDaid’s death if the loyalist march followed its planned route from the town centre across the Bann Bridge in Coleraine.
However, representatives from the Pride of the Bann last night confirmed that marchers will not cross the bridge over to the Waterside area of the town.
A spokesman said: “Pride of the Bann Flute Band Coleraine, hosts to Friday evening's parade in the town, distance themselves from the political wrangling following the tragic incident in the Heights area last weekend when Kevin McDaid lost his life.
“It is with great sadness and no small degree of anger that Pride of the Bann Flute resent the way they have become embroiled in a controversy over their 32nd annual band parade.
“The band feels that calls to cancel the evening are motivated by certain political agendas, and a lack of and reluctance to acknowledge or understand the nature of the band and event in some quarters.
“This parade had been planned over 12 months ago. Forms had been filled in and accepted by the Parades Commission and PSNI. Invitations had been sent out and those bands who have replied have booked transport and made financial commitments to attend.”
The spokesman said that following consultations with the PSNI and band leaders, they informed the Parades Commission and the PSNI that they intend not to continue with the section of their parade that crosses the River Bann.
He added: “At a band meeting on Tuesday evening the members of Pride of the Bann offered this move in the interests of community relations and to ease tensions in the town.
“Pride of the Bann feel this is an appropriate gesture and one which they hope will be taken as a sincere attempt to ease any community tensions.”
The move has been welcomed by the Parades Commission which said that it is clear the sectarian murder of Mr McDaid has had a significant impact on the local community.
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"Why don't unionists stop this nonsense of parading?"
Why doesn't Ireland cancel St Patricks day?? Culture, heritage, because most enjoy the music and are law abiding citizens, that a small minority ruin it for all.
Just because a section of the community want an event cancelled, this can't set a trend, then the world would become a serile, totally PC, nothing... No national flags, no anthems, no emblems...
People like to be defined by their history, the Irish more than any!!
Posted by Markus | 29.05.09, 16:45 GMT
The whining about political agenda's is quite hypocritical. Therefore the only appropriate way for the band is to cancel the parade.
Posted by Jan | 29.05.09, 11:51 GMT
Nationalists don't parade for 6 months out of the year, Ian.
Posted by Ulysses31 | 29.05.09, 10:38 GMT
I would love to see an end to all parades that have anything to do with battles or death. Instead put all the parade (& clean up) money into a common pot and use it to fund actual town celebrations that are cross cultural.
Posted by Hope | 29.05.09, 10:23 GMT
Cec, both backgrounds parade in this country. I suppose you want to stop nationalsit parades as well then?
Posted by Ian | 28.05.09, 16:14 GMT
Why don't unionists stop this nonsense of parading?
Posted by cec | 28.05.09, 08:27 GMT