Orangemen hail Mary
Friday November 28 2008
PRESIDENT Mary McAleese yesterday became the first Irish head of state to visit an Orange hall, when she visited Brakey Orange Hall, just outside Bailieboro in Co Cavan.
Mrs McAleese told the 150-strong crowd at the lodge, which was rebuilt in 2004 following an arson attack in which it was badly damaged: "It's a good time and place to acknowledge how far we have come in the past 10 years, since signing the Good Friday Agreement, and to pledge that the journey of peace ... will continue."
On arrival with her husband, Martin, Mrs McAleese was met by Co Cavan Orange Grand Master Henry Latimer and other sash-clad dignitaries, including Co Monaghan Grand Master Robert Sturgeon.
"Be upstanding brethren, sisters, friends and special guests to receive the President of Ireland Mary McAleese," declared Mr Latimer to loud applause.
Mrs McAleese responded by describing Mr Latimer as a good Cavan man, a good Irishman and a good Orangeman.
"This is a historic year for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. It held its first meeting south of the Border since partition in Clover Hill, outside Cavan town, on September 27. Now it is great to have the President here," Mr Latimer said.
He thanked Mrs McAleese and her husband for their ongoing support, adding: "As a responsible stakeholder in society in the Republic of Ireland, the Loyal Orange Institution wants to play its part in improving community relations.
"We are a people proud of our history, our faith, our cultural heritage and want to play a part in helping people understand our tradition," he added.
He acknowledged state funding for Orange lodges in Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal, which was made available by Community, Rural and Gaelteacht Affairs Minister Eamon O Cuiv to Cadolemo Ltd -- established by the lodges to support community-based initiatives in the border region.
Mrs McAleese said: "We are fortunate to have been witnesses to things that seemed very unlikely just a short time ago. We have seen Ian Paisley sit down as an equal partner in government with Martin McGuinness. We have heard him describe former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as 'his friend'. In that sentence, he did more for reconciliation on this island than libraries of PHDs in conflict resolution.
"It is possible to be both Irish and British and both Orange and Irish," said Mrs McAleese, who condemned tit-for-tat attacks on Orange halls and GAA clubs.
Referring to those responsible, she said: "Such acts are a throwback to another time, and we condemn them utterly. The tit-for-tat that is visited on GAA clubs just brings it home to us how utterly wasteful and humanly tragic are these episodes, and what a waste of the lives of those who can see no further than such vandalism."
Transformed
"I invite them all to stop and think how wonderfully transformed all our lives would be if we were all made as welcome in each other's homes as I have been made welcome here."
The President referred to the burial earlier this week of Royal Marine Robert McKibben, from Westport, who was killed in action in Afghanistan.
"He received a beautifully dignified funeral in his own home town of Westport in the west of Ireland.
"His coffin was carried by six uniformed colleagues from the Royal Marines and thousands of his townsmen and women were there to show their sorrow and respect."
Mr Latimer said Orange halls played a vital role in their local communities and hosted everything from youth clubs and religious groups to cookery classes.
"When halls are damaged, attacked or destroyed, the community activity of its related hinterland suffers.
"This hall has been rebuilt after an arson attack and efforts are under way, thanks to the support of the Government, to enhance the facilities in other halls within the border counties."
- Joe McCabe
