Henry-Joy Commemorative Parade Attacked by Loyalists

Yesterday afternoon (Sunday 2nd September, 2012) the Henry-Joy Republican Flute Band led a Commemoration march to honour Irish Patriot, Henry-Joy McCracken and other members of the United Irish Society for their sacrifice in the 1798 Rising. The parade was accompanied by the Pride Of Éireann Band and around 100 supporters up the New Lodge Road, onto the Antrim Road down Churchill Street, along Aston Street onto North Queen Street and up Clifton Street past the Carrickhill area and into Henry Place and the small graveyard which holds the remains of Henry-Joy, Mary-Anne McCracken and other radical Presbyterians who changed the course of Irish history. 

The Henry-Joy Parade as it makes its way up Clifton Street

The HJRFB had applied for and were granted permission to march as they were last year. The parade route was not flagged as contentious by the Parades Commission nor anyone else as it marched through two Nationalist/Republican areas and was clearly welcomed by those communities. Hours earlier however, Loyalists the majority of who connected to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) from the Shankill area used Social Media websites and phones to organise an illegal protest against the march. Around 1.30pm, a large Loyalist mob gathered at Carlisle Circus and outside the Indian Community Centre and Orange Hall in Clifton Street. Where they attacked a large section of RUC/PSNI who were in the area. In response, parade organisers delayed the start of their march because many of the band members and supporters were young teenagers and assessed the situation.

Loyalist Attacking the RUC/PSNI at Carilse Circus

Around the same time, senior members of the UVF including, Winston (Winkie) Irvine its North Belfast Commander entered the Orange Hall and stood on its balcony at the front of the building armed with videos and cameras photographing the entire area but primarily Nationalists who live in the area. Who gave these people permission to use these premises? Was it an intelligence gathering operation to identify Nationalists and Republicans? Are the Orange Order and Unionist Politicians okay with this type of action?

UVF Men including, Winkie Irvine in Clifton Street Orange Hall

In spite of Loyalist rioting the parade took place, as the march drew level with the Westlink Motorway on Clifton Street, the two bands stop playing music and restricted their activity to a single drum beat. As a mark of respect to the Orange Hall and Indian Community Centre. As the parade turned into Henry Place, the Loyalist mob intensified stoning and throwing other missiles in the hope that march participants would get hurt a number were indeed struck but luckily not badly injured. As it entered the small graveyard, Loyalists broke into Carlisle House, where they smashed cars belonging to workers and threw missiles into the cemetery. Some marchers were again hurt but the commemoration continued unimpeded. Carlisle House is a residential treatment centre situated near Belfast City Centre. That offers residential rehabilitation treatment for people with difficulties who live in Greater Belfast. Other Loyalist rioters broke into Clifton House across the Crumlin Road. Clifton House is a large Care home for senior citizens, who were no doubt left in great fear.

Loyalist Rioters in Carilse House Running Amok

The march participants listened to speeches from two Republican Network for Unity (RNU) members, Ciarán Cunningham & Tómas Doherty who spoke about the courage of Henry-Joy McCracken and his comrades. They also reiterated the need for contemporary Republicans to adhere to the teachings of the United Irishmen and continue their legacy towards an Ireland, where Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters can live in fraternity, liberty and equality. A couple of wreaths were also laid on the grave of Henry-Joy and his sister, Mary-Anne, a revolutionary in her own right. A minutes silence was also held for all those who died during the 1798 Rising, the Irish National Anthem was also played. Before leaving Clifton Street Cemetery, everyone was asked to leave in peace and not to become in any trouble that was ongoing outside.

Tómas Doherty RNU's National Youth Spokesperson

Despite Loyalist opposition and rioting, it was great to once again witness a respectful commemoration for Henry-Joy McCracken and his comrades. He has lain in a lonely grave for over two centuries and his huge sacrifice on behalf of the Irish people has been largely forgotten. Therefore, its a credit to the band for holding yesterday's march and commemoration in his native Belfast. RNU issued a statement in relation to the attacks on the parade and can be accessed at; http://www.republicannetwork.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=308:uvf-organised-attack-on-henry-joy-parade&catid=1:latest-news