Black parades are cancelled

The Royal Black Institution has cancelled plans for two parades down the mainly nationalist lower Ormeau Road in Belfast, due…

The Royal Black Institution has cancelled plans for two parades down the mainly nationalist lower Ormeau Road in Belfast, due to take place on Sunday and on August 30th, Theresa Judge writes.

In a statement yesterday, the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter said the decision was taken "with extreme sadness" and under "regrettable duress" after talks with the RUC. Members of the Ballynafeigh district had planned to march along a route that included the lower Ormeau Road but have now agreed to stop at the Ormeau bridge.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter