Protesters Gather on Garvaghy Road as Appeal Court Judges Overturn Ban on Drumcree Parade
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The parade (pictured above in 2018 on a 20th anniversary protest) had been halted due to a temporary injunction being granted at the High Court in Belfast.
Court of Appeal Reverses Ban
The Court of Appeal has overturned a ban on Orangemen marching through a largely nationalist part of Northern Ireland on Sunday. However, in a subsequent development, the court has agreed to hear a request for the case to be reconsidered tonight by a different High Court judge.
The Drumcree Parade and Its History
The Drumcree parade, notorious for sparking serious disorder in Northern Ireland's history in the 1990s, had been given permission to proceed along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown for the first time in almost three decades, with certain restrictions.
Legal Challenges and Injunctions
That decision was challenged in court on Saturday by the Garvaghy Road Residents Group, leading to a High Court judge issuing an injunction halting the march, citing the "potential to escalate" tensions between residents and local Orangemen.
A large crowd gathered on the Garvaghy Road late on Saturday night after the Appeal Court judges overturned the earlier court injunction temporarily banning the march.
Masked Men Block Road; Community Defends Itself
Masked men also blocked the north end of the Garvaghy Road, towards Drumcree. Breandan Mac Cionnaith of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition expressed determination: "There's no such thing as justice or rights for our community. I'm going back to help defend my community."
Political Reactions
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called the latest development a "disgrace," emphasizing the parade's history of hate, sectarian violence, and murder. Stormont First Minister Michelle O'Neill declared: "Our message tonight is clear. There is no going back. Not tomorrow. Not ever." She expressed full support for the Garvaghy Road community from nationalists across Ireland.
Judge Issues Temporary Injunction
Judge Patricia Smyth had earlier issued the temporary injunction after Portadown District Orange Lodge declined her request to postpone the parade until all issues could be properly considered.