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The Ulster Bands Association would like to utterly condemn the disgraceful
and shameful attempt to provoke disorder in Randalstown last Saturday
evening.
At a approximately 8 pm, the Sons of Ulster Flute Band and their
Apprentice Boys Club returned to the town after the annual Relief of Derry
Celebrations in Londonderry.
As the returning parade passed the taxi rank on Lower Main Street, a group
of drunken republicans attempted to provoke the marchers by shouting
sectarian slogans and by spiting on them.
Despite this aggravation the marchers showed great restraint and ignored
the insults.
Soon afterwards as the parade turned left off Main Street onto New Street
they were confronted by three well-known republican activists who once
again taunted, spat at and insulted the marchers. Once more they were
ignored.
Clearly annoyed by their unsuccessful efforts to incite a reaction the
aforementioned men then deliberately walked into the ranks of the parade.
Again they were ignored and in what was obviously a final act of
desperation the men began to physically assault several of the marchers.
Naturally those on parade had to defend themselves before the aggressors
either ran off or were moved on by some RUC Officers who were nearby.
Even then, they continued to taunt the band and the Apprentice Boys.
The Ulster Bands Association commend the discipline and restraint shown by
the marchers in spite of what was obviously an orchestrated attempt to
heighten community tensions and cause trouble.
As with other violence throughout the Province at the weekend, what we
observed in Randalstown was again a clear sign of the republican movements
refusal to accept any Protestants right to freely, inoffensively and
peacefully celebrate their unique culture and heritage.
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