The 12th ...should be a holiday down here?

[Partizan]

I'm taking out my bowler hat, sash and inviting Eoghan Harris & Kevin Myers around for a fireside rendition of the sash while scoffing over the jibes of Hugh Leonard & Co. in the Sunday Unionist (Independent).

Seriously why would we want to honour something that is diametrically opposed to the ideals and exact existence of the Irish Republic. Although I would be in favour of celebrating the Glorious Twelfth as a national holiday to accomodate my Protestant brothers & sisters.....................

in a United Ireland.

[dcfcsteve]

Interesting comments here from some people who appear to have learnt their scant knowledge of Irish history solely from listening to rebel songs....

The Battle of the Boyne, along with the 3 other major battles on Irish soil at that period (Siege of Derry, Aughrim and Limerick) were major turning points in the political direction of the entire continent of Europe - or, given the time it was, the world. It/they are therefore major historical events, and much much more than any percieved petty Irish squabble.

Whilst both sides of the political divide in the north have twisted the events to suit their own purposes in the years since, there were Catholics and protestant armies from throughout Europe represented on both the Jacobite and Williamite forces. King William both sought and received a blessing from the Pope in advance of the Battle of the Boyne, for feck sake - which in those days counted for a hell of a lot.

But hey - never mind historical accuracy, when we can just reinforce the view of the 12th as being a chance to knock the other side...

I can see no harm in the south acknowledging the major impact upon world affairs that a series of 4 battles on our soil had 300+ years ago. In contrast I can see it do a lot of good - both in relations with the north, and in recognising that there is a section of the Republic's population who still wish to celebrate the 12th of July. Now - I'm not advocating that we have bands of Billy Boy Loyalists in Rangers tops parading up and down O'Connell street singing God Save the Queen and the Sash - which sadly a number of the respondents on here seem unable to see beyond.

There's no reason why the Republic couldn't lead the way in setting a new tone for 12th July celebrations - a much less negative, threatening and more celebratory one than that which has sadly been created in the north. One much more in-tune with the 21st Century. A small example could be the event that Mary McAleese (you know - the northern Irish Catholic President of Ireland...) held today at Aras an Uachtaran. But to refuse to see beyond the current manifestation of the 12th July, as exemplified on the streets of the north today, is to exhibit a severe lack of vision and a complete failure to grasp that the Republic has an opportunity here to not only build bridges, but to take a lot of the sting out of the 12th events up north.

[monutdfc]

I would be in favour of celebrating the Glorious Twelfth as a national holiday

Wouldn't have thought you were into game shooting Partizan...
...the Glorious Twelfth is the 12th of August, first day of the shooting season

[Lionel Ritchie]

Interesting comments here from some people who appear to have learnt their scant knowledge of Irish history solely from listening to rebel songs....

The Battle of the Boyne, along with the 3 other major battles on Irish soil at that period (Siege of Derry, Aughrim and Limerick) were major turning points in the political direction of the entire continent of Europe - or, given the time it was, the world. It/they are therefore major historical events, and much much more than any percieved petty Irish squabble.

Whilst both sides of the political divide in the north have twisted the events to suit their own purposes in the years since, there were Catholics and protestant armies from throughout Europe represented on both the Jacobite and Williamite forces. King William both sought and received a blessing from the Pope in advance of the Battle of the Boyne, for feck sake - which in those days counted for a hell of a lot.

But hey - never mind historical accuracy, when we can just reinforce the view of the 12th as being a chance to knock the other side...

I can see no harm in the south acknowledging the major impact upon world affairs that a series of 4 battles on our soil had 300+ years ago. In contrast I can see it do a lot of good - both in relations with the north, and in recognising that there is a section of the Republic's population who still wish to celebrate the 12th of July. Now - I'm not advocating that we have bands of Billy Boy Loyalists in Rangers tops parading up and down O'Connell street singing God Save the Queen and the Sash - which sadly a number of the respondents on here seem unable to see beyond.

There's no reason why the Republic couldn't lead the way in setting a new tone for 12th July celebrations - a much less negative, threatening and more celebratory one than that which has sadly been created in the north. One much more in-tune with the 21st Century. A small example could be the event that Mary McAleese (you know - the northern Irish Catholic President of Ireland...) held today at Aras an Uachtaran. But to refuse to see beyond the current manifestation of the 12th July, as exemplified on the streets of the north today, is to exhibit a severe lack of vision and a complete failure to grasp that the Republic has an opportunity here to not only build bridges, but to take a lot of the sting out of the 12th events up north.

Well I'm just going to shut up and let DCFCSteve do the talking. 100% on the nail.

[Troy.McClure]

Ya mean that the 12th isnt the aniversary of when Rangers won their first league?

Next thing you'll be telling me that €eltic werent founded on the 17th of March and thats not the real reason we have parades then

[CollegeTillIDie]

Actually it would be one way of recognising the gay community.... What I hear you ask? King Billy was outed by a Lesbian American Historian some years back.... so the 12th Could be Pink Triangle day Down here!

[crc]

I'd be in favour. DCFCSteve has the right idea. I was watching some of the coverage on BBC last night, and outside of the flashpoint areas (and where people were showing off for the cameras) the atmosphere looked like people were just gathering to have a good time and a drink in a field. Rossnowlagh is the best example of this, but also the rural parades like in Fermanagh, there was none of the acrimony or triumphalism that southerners associate with all Orange marches.

Making the 12th a holiday in the south is something we could do to build trust with Protestants / Unionists in the north and the south (yes they do exist), and thus further the cause of a united Ireland.

We should do this as a good-will gesture, and not expect them to do something in return. If north-south relations are nothing but political horse-trading, we will never nurture the sort of common bond that a united country needs. There are lots of foundations for this bond, but it needs to be nurtured - this is a great opertunity for us to be generous, even though it won't cost us much.

[Thunderblaster]

I saw an Apprentice Boys march on Lundy Day in Derry last December and to be honest, you will only get trouble if you look for it. I took a couple of photos and the most intimidating part was the heavy thud of the Lambeg drums shaking the ground. It is actually colourful to watch. People should see these parades for themselves before making comments; the more troublesome parades have their origins in working class or socially deprived areas IMO.