The Parades Commission has granted approval for a controversial Easter Monday parade in Derry, an event that has previously been linked to violent incidents. The parade, described as sensitive due to its history, is organised by the National Republican Commemoration Committee (NRCC), which acts on behalf of the anti-agreement party Saoradh. This year’s commemorative event, titled the ‘Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration,’ is set to take place on Monday.
Last year’s parade attracted attention after it was led by a masked colour party and featured participants dressed in combat-style clothing as the procession moved from Free Derry Corner to the City Cemetery. During that event, tensions escalated when a group of youths threw petrol bombs at Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) vehicles, resulting in several arrests. Notably, a PSNI Land Rover was among the vehicles targeted by petrol bombs.
The parade route for 2023 will commence at Creggan shops, proceeding onward to a republican memorial site known as Séadchomhartha Na Ndaoine, or The People’s Monument, located at Free Derry Corner. Organisers anticipate participation from two bands, approximately 500 marchers, and an estimated 100 supporters.
This NRCC-led parade coincides with a separate annual event organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, which is traditionally held on the same day but is not notified to the Parades Commission. In past years, this separate event has also seen disorder, with incidents of young people throwing petrol bombs at PSNI vehicles. However, last year’s occurrence of the Derry 1916 parade notably avoided unrest, a development many attribute to police choosing to remain outside the Creggan area during the event.
In light of the parade’s history, the Parades Commission emphasised the serious nature of past criminal activities connected to the event. Their ruling has introduced strict conditions aimed at preventing similar occurrences this year. Key stipulations include an outright ban on the wearing of paramilitary-style clothing and a prohibition on displaying flags, bannerettes, or symbols associated with proscribed organisations.
Mark H Durkan, SDLP assembly member and Policing Board representative, expressed approval of the parade notification process. Speaking to The Irish News (Belfast), he said: “For a number of years there had been anti-social behaviour around the Easter Monday commemoration in Derry and there was a negative impact on the Creggan community. Over the past couple of years, we have seen a more intelligent approach from the police to minimise the damage done. I would appeal to people to come to Derry and enjoy the event and please abide by the conditions set out by the Parades Commission.”
NRCC spokesman Paddy Gallagher also addressed the forthcoming commemoration, stating: “We hereby invite all revolutionary socialist republicans committed to the continuing fight for Irish freedom to join with us to commemorate our martyred dead in a dignified, honourable and appropriate way.”
The upcoming Easter Monday parades in Derry thus remain a focal point for sensitive community relations and public order considerations, with local authorities and event organisers working within the framework established by the Parades Commission to facilitate the commemorations.
Source: Noah Wire Services