And the ground shook13 Jul 2018 23:26
Our little Idyll here by the sea was visited yesterday by the "Orange Men of County Down" - well some of it - for what they call a march. In order for this to happen the town must first be decorated with as many flags as possible, placed where they cannot be torn down or burned, in our case they used a cherry picker. We knew they were coming from three months before, instead of going down to Dublin or Wicklow for the day we decided to stay and watch the event.
We started the day with mass as we do most days - on our way to the church we met our first "visitors" who were already claiming their places along the pavement by lining up their camping chairs between the parked cars and all along the pavement. When we came out of the church the town felt occupied, Orange Men were appearing all over the place as they made their way to the assembly point at the far end of the town, where the Orange Hall was open and men in their regalia were strolling around.
The March - when it started - was an hour late setting off, we had finished our lunch so we set off to view it at the end of the road as it runs into the main street down which The March processed. What we heard first was the noise of the drums, next came the banners and then the first of the parade was passing us with what was described to me as the "Blood and Thunder Drum" which was being beaten by a brawny fellow who seemed only to want to burst it. I learned later that there is an award for the drummer who makes the most noise - if he breaks the drum by bursting it, no matter because spare skins are carried for quick replacement so that the Blood and Thunder is maintained.
The bands and there followers in their collars follow one after the other - they all include a Blood and Thunder but they all play different march time MOOZICK at the same time, accompanied by plenty of small drums which produce a most impressive cacophony of noise. We probably had about thirty five bands in all, each being followed by the Lodge Master or chief wizard and those members of the lodge who are able to march or shuffle.
The bands themselves were mostly not that impressive in spite their banners, bearing legends such "The Red Hand Defenders," some wore brown winkle-picker or black unpolished shoes which tarnished the appearance of what I am sure was intended to be viewed as a militia. Two bands were outstanding however - a pipe band in brown kilts and patent shoes and one of the bands from Kilkeel which must have performed for the new Baron, because they were smart.
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