'Relief' In Derry As 'Boys' Parade

One of the most symbolic events in Northern Ireland's loyal orders' calendar was marked at the weekend.

Fears of widespread trouble failed to materialise as the 320th Relief of Derry celebrations took place in Londonderry - but was marred afterwards by violence.

The Relief of Derry Commemoration is held annually on the second Saturday of August and this year 10,000 'Apprentice Boys' and 130 bands participated.

On Friday night cannon shots rang out symbolizing the 13 Apprentice Boys who slammed the gates of what is now known as Londonderry and closed them against the advancing armies of King James II in 1688.

Minor disruption was caused to Saturday's early morning events when two suspect devices were placed close to Governor Walker's Plinth on the City's Walls.

However, Army bomb disposal teams carried out controlled explosions and the devices were later declared an elaborate hoax and the events went ahead as planned.

Later, dissident republican elements were blamed for orchestrating attacks by young nationalists after the parade in Londonderry.

Two policemen were injured and 26 people were arrested after violence broke out on the outskirts of the Bogside following the commemorations.

While the parade itself passed peacefully, stones, missiles and a number of petrol bombs were later thrown during sporadic attacks.

The targets were members of the Apprentice Boys concluding proceedings at the Memorial Hall close to the city walls, and police at Butcher's Gate.

Two officers were hurt when missiles were thrown as a man was arrested in Waterloo Place, and motorists were warned to stay away from the Fahan Street area. However, the police officers' injuries are not believed to be serious.

Nine people are set to appear in court after being charged in relation to the disturbances.

The trouble was not unexpected, as Acting Chief Inspector Jon Burrows had warned beforehand that a small group was bent on causing disturbances.

A substantial amount of alcohol was also seized throughout the day by officers.

Republicans held an anti-internment rally in the nearby Bogside despite calls from the mainstream party Sinn Féin for the event to be re-scheduled.

DUP MLA and 'Apprentice Boy' William Hay said the organisation had done what it could to hold a peaceful parade.

"It is a tragedy that after the parade we still have people who want to throw petrol bombs and who want to attack the police."

(BMcC)