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Fraternal Organisation
Fraternal Organisation
In Their Own Words
In 2015, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland commissioned a short film entitled 'Strong to Survive' which focused on Orange victims and their stories. We've compiled some clips from this film which give you an insight into the stories behind the statistics.
The full film is available on DVD from 'Schomberg House' and 'Sloan's House'
On 1 September 1975, IRA gunmen burst into a meeting of Tullyvallen Guiding Star Temperance LOL 630 in Newtownhamilton, County Armagh. Five members were murdered, and six injured in the attack. This event marked the largest loss of life by the Orange Institution in one day and its anniversary, 1st September, was chosen as the annual Orange Victims Day.
John Johnston, James McKee, William McKee, Nevin McConnell & William Herron were all killed in the attack.
Nigel's father, Frederick John Lutton was murdered on 1 May 1979, aged 40 near Moy, County Tyrone and was a member of Canary Loyal Sons of Ulster LOL 1287.
Marlene's father, Edward Gibson was murdered by the IRA at Ardboe near Cookstown, County Tyrone on 26 April 1988, aged just 22.
Edward was a member of Tamlaght True Blues LOL 160.
Orange Victims' Day 2021
The following three videos were produced as part of our 2021 Orange Victims' Day series of events.
On the 31st of July, 1972, three IRA bombs ripped through the County Londonderry Village of Claudy. Nine people were killed.
Mary Hamilton and her late husband, Ernest, survived the bombing. However, Mary sustained serious injuries and has shrapnel in both her legs as a result of one of the bombs placed outside their business premises.
William James Heenan, 52, was a widower with one child, Samuel. He was shot by the IRA on the 3rd of May, 1985, on his farm near Castlewellan. William Heenan was a member of Legananny True Blues LOL 1455.
Charles David Neville, 56, was married with seven children. He was murdered by the IRA in a grenade and gun attack on his car as he arrived for work as a caretake with Armagh Technical College on the 10th of November 1981. He was a member of Mulintur LOL 150 in County Armagh.