Apprentice Boys Parade

All sides remain hopeful that the agreement reached earlier this week in proximity talks between the Bogside Residents Group and the Apprentice Boys of Derry will ensure that the situation remains peaceful in the city tomorrow during the annual parade of the locally based Loyal Order. Some 15,000 Apprentice Boys and over 170 bands are expected to take part in the annual parade which has led to serious violence in the past. As a result of the weekend negotiations the main parade of the Apprentice Boys will reroute away from one side of the Diamond area closest to the Bogside. In addition a number of the controversial feeder parades outside of the city have been rerouted by the parades commission.

Meanwhile It has already become clear that the proximity talks and the outcome of those talks is causing disquiet amongst some sections of the Apprentice Boys. The local media have reported resignations from the organisation and it remains to be seen whether visiting bandsmen and 'Boys' will accept the deal negotiated by their leadership. Last December scuffles broke out in the Diamond area between senior Apprentice Boys and bandsmen.

The PFC will be monitoring the situation on the ground tomorrow and will provide updates as appropriate.

Ireland News Update Friday 7th August 1998	If you came directly to this page use this button to reach the Weekly Ireland News Update Service
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