Today in 1986, dozens were injured in the second consecutive night of violence in Portadown, County Armagh. Violence flared when Orangemen converged on the town after their annual marches to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Protestant youths began throwing missiles at the police as they attempted to section off Catholic areas. Disturbances happened into the night with nationalist and loyalist rioters directing their anger against the security forces and each other. Vehicles were overturned and police attacked with darts, bottles and stones. Four were seriously injured including one who was dragged from his car and stabbed in the neck. RUC officers responded with baton charges and about 150 plastic bullets. A total of 127 police and civilians were injured over the two nights. Tensions were high in because loyalists claimed concessions were being made to Catholics through the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement. In 1997 an independent Parades Commission was established. The Garvaghy Road continues to be a source of unrest and Orangemen have not been allowed to march down there since 1997.
The Orange Order was founded near Portadown in 1795 after a clash between Catholics and Protestants at the Battle of the Diamonds. With about 75,000 members it remains the largest Protestant organisation in Northern Ireland. Every 12 July it celebrates the victory of Protestant William of Orange over Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
On Friday, we had a lively session, first with an engaging Q&A session from Chris Webb, which showcased his new video produced by Jovan of Square Daisy. Afterwards, we split into tables led by our three tenors (or should that be fivers?) to examine and discuss what our group believed the new government needs to do for small businesses. I aim to summarise that discussion and shall circulate it.
