THE Clogher Valley Twelfth took somewhat of a different format from previous years as Fivemiletown district and Annahoe district held separate parades to keep in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Ian McClung, Secretary for Fivemiletown District Lodge, who went on to explain that the parade in Fivemiletown was “somewhat smaller” than what would normally be the case, said: “Normally the Clogher Valley Twelfth would be a combination of both Fivemiletown and Annahoe, but given the way that they were trying to keep the crowds small, we had to split between two districts.

“Annahoe district had their parade in Aughnacloy, and Fivemiletown district had their parade in Fivemiletown.”

Murley Silver Band led the parade in Fivemiletown which took a unique format. “We had only one band, so what we did was, all the Orangemen marched behind [Murley Silver Band] and we put all the banners out in front of them,” said Ian, noting that having the entire district march as one block was a novelty that drew a bit of attention.

“It seemed to generate a bit of interest and people seemed to enjoy the day,” he added. “Murley band are a top-quality band, so they provided very good music on the day.”

To supplement the parade, given its reduced scale, a number of floats also took part, each created by an Orange Lodge. Ian said: “Each of the Orange Lodges were tasked with putting together a float.

“Some of them had concentrated on farming scenes from over the 100 years [marking the centennial of Northern Ireland], and one of them was related to the war years, and various other aspects.

“It was something a bit different that went down very well; those who were in attendance seemed to enjoy it.”

Tying in with the centennial of Northern Ireland, Fivemiletown also played host to a vintage tractor and car run, to reflect the milestone.

“That followed the parade half an hour later, and toured the town with various vintage vehicles. It was very much a different day, but nonetheless, very enjoyable,” Ian told this newspaper.

Also on Monday, for the first time since 1951, a Twelfth of July parade was held in Trillick.

Talking to The Impartial Reporter, Andrew McCutcheon, Worshipful Master of Trillick LOL 208, noting how it was the Worshipful Master of Fintona district, Raymond Deazley, who proposed Trillick for this year’s parade, said: “Five bands and seven Lodges paraded through the village.

“Allegedly it was 1951 the last time [a Twelfth of July parade] was in Trillick. Maybe some time in the future it could happen again.”

Commenting on the success of the parade, Andrew said: “It went very well. We had a good turn-out and everybody had a good day. We had a lot of visiting people come to watch, too.”