The Five Demands

UVF organized attack on Henry Joy parade (Republican Network for Unity)

On Sunday 2nd of September, Republican Network for Unity held a successful march and commemoration for Henry Joy McCracken, founder of the United Irishmen. This is the second year in which we have hosted the parade.
The march passed through the Nationalist New Lodge and North Queen Street areas before continuing past Carrickhill, where the local community warmly welcomed marchers and bands alike.

While walking along Henry Street to gain access to Clifton Street cemetery, marchers came under a sustained attack from a Loyalist mob including well known figures from within the UVF, who had gathered from early morning.
Republicans were showered with a barrage of bricks, stones, golf balls and bottles. Several marchers were badly injured including RNU activists, stewards and children.

It appears that this attack on our members was allowed to take place, the PSNI having facilitated the Loyalist gathering within only metres of the route, as well as from the balcony of Clifton Street Orange Hall.
We understand that some local youths retaliated against the Loyalist attack, RNU stewards did their very best to push these individuals back and at one stage managed to prevent hand to hand fighting after Loyalists had gained entry in to an apartment complex beside Clifton Street cemetery.

Throughout the ceremony in Clifton Street cemetery, Loyalists continued to attack those gathered and at one stage managed to scale the walls, a small child who was carrying a wreath was injured by a missile and was left highly traumatised.
RNU note that DUP Minister Nelson McCausland has in recent days been attempting to bring negative publicity onto the Henry Joy parade through his online blog and it is our opinion that this is what has motivated elements within the Shankill UVF to organise today’s planned attack.

By contrast, last year’s parade passed off without incident.

RNU state categorically that we were not to blame for today’s trouble; we are an anti-sectarian organisation and were on our way to honour a fine protestant Republican when we were attacked, it is unfortunate that today’s trouble took place at all, we will do all that we can to help ease any tensions in the area.

Le Meas
Ard Comhaile Republican Network for Unity