Eirigi Newry expresses concern ahead of ‘sectarian’ Newry parades | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Eirigi Newry expresses concern ahead of ‘sectarian’ Newry parades

Concern has been expressed by éirígí Newry in relation to a number of planned parades due to take place in Newry.

Photo courtesy of D.Barry (Twitter)Commenting on the parades, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney spoke of an ‘entire weekend of unwanted and unnecessary marches’.

“From any perspective, this is a completely disproportionate and needless imposition on this city and its people,” Murney told Newry Times.

“This totally unwarranted display of unionist triumphalism begins on Friday 28th August with a band parade organised by the sectarian South Down Defenders Flute Band which plans to bring up to 50 bands to this event, which will cause widespread disruption for several hours.”

Murney continued, “The following day [August 29] will see another sectarian parade involving 9 bands proceeding through the centre of Newry and then returning later that evening. On the afternoon of Sunday August 30th, another march will again take place in the centre of the town, and will again return via the same route a short time later.”

According to Murney, this will mean ‘unnecessary widespread disruption to residents, motorists and shoppers’.

According to Eirigi Newry Spokesman Stephen Murney, the parades will cause 'unnecessary widespread disruption to residents, motorists and shoppers'

According to Eirigi Newry Spokesman Stephen Murney, the parades will cause ‘unnecessary widespread disruption to residents, motorists and shoppers’

“Rather than local residents and visitors to Newry enjoying a relaxing bank holiday weekend they will instead be forced to endure major traffic disruption, sectarian music being played and a massive security operation enforced by the PSNI.”

The Eirigi representative cited previous parades in Newry where he said residents ‘had to endure unionist bandsmen drinking and urinating in public’.

Stephen continued, “There can be no justification for this amount of marches taking place in Newry over the bank holiday weekend other than the various organisers seeking to engage in repeated coat-trailing exercises.

“It is our view that sectarian parades which cause unnecessary disruption and tension should be rerouted away from areas where their presence is not wanted. Again we want to make it clear that sectarianism in all its forms has no place in today’s society and as such these sectarian events should be opposed by all,” the éirígí spokesperson added.

A spokesman for the South Down Defenders Flute Band stated, “The band looks forward to once again hosting its annual parade on Friday 28th August.

“The family event will take place within the vicinity of the Belfast Road and the band will endeavour to keep traffic disruption to a minimum. We would encourage everyone to attend and partake in a vibrant cultural event and to pay heed to the advice of the stewards and the PSNI.”

More on this story:

Sinn Fein accused of ‘trying to create tensions’ ahead of Newry parades

‘Three days of parades in Newry is madness’ – Murphy

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=52246

Posted by on Aug 14 2015. Filed under Community, News, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Leave a Reply







Find us on Facebook

Log in | Designed by Gabfire themes