Seven full-time staff have been appointed to work on the project which is being financed until December 2014.

The STRIPE Project (Stepping Towards Reconciliation in Positive Engagement) received £884,022 from the Special EU Programmes Body.

Dr. Jonathan Mattison will be the project manager. He will be joined by a leadership development officer, Richard Forsythe and four development officers, Andrew Carisle, Joanne Honeyford, Flora Magee and Julian Thornton. An administrative officer, Heather Walker, will support the project which is based in Brownlow House, Lurgan.

Drew Nelson, Chairman of the Orange Community Network, said:

“The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland believes there is an imbalance of weak community infrastructure, low confidence and low levels of participation within the Protestant community, particularly in interface and border areas inNorthern Irelandand theRepublicofIreland. Grand Lodge also believes the Protestant community in interface and borders areas has suffered disproportionately during the Troubles.

“This project is about capacity building in the Protestant community and we greatly appreciate the support of the Special EU Programmes Body. An exciting part of the project will be identifying young leaders, building their capacity and developing their skills so that they can play a full role in shaping society.”

William McKeown, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said:

“We believe an unparalleled opportunity now exists to enhance confidence within the Protestant community to such a level that it feels able to take part in meaningful cross-community and cross-border strategies building towards lasting peace and reconciliation.

“The support of the European Union’s Peace III Programme will make a huge difference to our members and the wider Protestant community.

“The STRIPE project aims to lead marginalised Protestant communities towards reconciliation through enabling them to understand their identity, evaluate their own experience during the Troubles and to understand how mistrust between the two main communities in Ireland has undermined good relations.

“”It is envisaged that this will equip the Protestant community with the ability to engage with the wider community and to encourage it to re-engage as equal partners as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland moves forward.

“The ultimate aim is to allow the Protestant communities to become more comfortable in themselves and feel able to move forward with inter-community and cross border reconciliation.”

Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body, welcomed the project saying:

“One of the aims of the PEACE III Programme is to promote wider engagement and the involvement of all sections of society in the reconciliation process. The STRIPE project is a very important project for the PEACE III Programme and is indicative of the great progress that has been made in Northern Ireland and Ireland over recent years. The project is truly regional in scope and with the planned outreach to over 400 local community groups it has the potential to engage a large number of people in PEACE III Programme related activities.”

Taking place at Moira Parish Centre, and attended by around 100 people, the conference, entitled ‘Sober Reflections’, looked at the historical detail and context of the Covenant and also sought to reflect theologically on the how the Covenant might be addressed by the contemporary Christian conscience.

The Conference was chaired by Professor David Hayton of Queen’s University, Belfast and introduced by Bishop John McDowell, chair of the working group which organised the day.

The first keynote speaker was Professor Paul Bew (Lord Bew of Donegore) (right) who give an overview of historical forces which gave rise to the Covenant and its significance to the political and social development of Ireland, north and south.

Professor Bew was followed by Dr Andrew Scholes who presented a paper which examined the particular role and reaction of the Church of Ireland in the making and signing of the Covenant and during the Home Rule crisis.

In the afternoon session, Professor Andrew Pierce, Assistant Professor of Inter-cultural Theology at the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE), considered theological methods of addressing a divisive historical event in a more ecumenical age, speaking of repentance and witness by the Church and individuals.

Dr Johnston McMaster, Co-ordinator of the Education for Reconciliation programme of the ISE based in Northern Ireland spoke about his recent work of theological reflection on The Covenant and of how modern Christians might engage positively with it. This was followed by a plenary discussion with contributions from the floor, before the close of the event by Professor Hayton.

When several presses were removed however, some mortar appeared insecure, and when touched, collapsed. Upon further investigation the employee realised he had uncovered a large cavity several feet long. Within it, in perfectly dry conditions, lay a massive arms cache. He had discovered over 90 rifles and over 2000 rounds of ammunition.

The GPO, was of course, the iconic central location for the failed Easter Rising of 1916. Number 10 Parnell Square wasn’t a part of the main GPO building, but given the history of central Dublin in 1916, and indeed 1921, when the anti-treaty faction of the IRA occupied the building, the automatic conclusion would be that the weapons had belonged to Irish Republicans.

However the rifles found in the cellar were the UVF favoured weapons of Lee-Enfield and Martini-Henri, and were accompanied by packages of Bible tracts and cap badges. In actual fact, the weapons had belonged to the men of Dublin’s ‘Ulster Volunteer Force’, the Loyal Dublin Volunteers.

Number 10 Parnell Square (originally called Rutland Square) was known as Fowler Hall, named after Robert Fowler, the Archbishop of Dublin from 1779 until 1801. Prior to being forced out by the IRA it also was one of Dublin’s several Orange Halls. Dublin’s Orange history is well documented; even in 1914 there were still 11 lodges based in Fowler Hall. What is lesser known is the extent of how the city’s Protestant, Orange and Loyal community rallied against Home Rule.

In February 1912 at an anti-Home Rule meeting in Fowler Hall, Mr H.T. Barrie MP stated to a massive crowd of Dublin Orangemen that ‘the Loyalists of Ireland were going to stand or fall together’. All of the depth of feeling against Home Rule in Ulster was replicated in many areas further south, and with that feeling came the same determination to resist by all means necessary. The Ulster Volunteer Force had deliberately been constituted to consist solely of those of Ulster birth, it initially being a prerequisite that all members had to have signed the Ulster Covenant. This limitation meant that units outside it’s boundaries would be difficult to form. The Dublin answer was to form their own anti-Home Rule corps, the Loyal Dublin Volunteers.

At its peak the LDV boasted a membership of some 2000 men. Many were of Ulster birth, some 768 men and women signed the Ulster Covenant and Declaration within the city, but the vast majority were Dublin born and bred. From mid 1913 right up until the outbreak of the First World War the unit was drilling weekly under its commander Colonel Henry McMaster, also Dublin Grand Master of the Orange Order. Its commitment to opposition against Home Rule was every bit as staunch as its comrades in Ulster. As late as July 1914, a meeting in the Metropolitan Hall heard resolutions from the city’s Orangemen to ‘risk all in defence of their rights’ and calling on their leaders to take whatever steps they considered necessary. The same meeting heard how Dublin had a large body of ‘disciplined and armed’ Orangemen, full of ‘grim determination’. Those in attendance were told in no uncertain terms that the Loyal Dublin Volunteers would back up the Orange resolutions.

The same series of events unfolding in Ulster also affected Dublin however, and with the outbreak of war, massive numbers of the corps enlisted. Up to 80 members joined the Dublin ‘Pal’s Battalion’ almost immediately. What’s more interesting is despite the considerable distance to travel to enlist, many Loyal Dublin Volunteers joined their fellow ‘volunteers’ within the ranks of the 36th Ulster Division. A considerable number joined the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (County Tyrone Volunteers), it having one entire platoon consisting of Dublin men. A William Crozier from St Stephen’s Green in Dublin applied for a commission to the 9th Battalion on the basis that he had drilled for 11 months with the Loyal Dublin Volunteers. Brigadier General Hickman endorsed the application, stating that: “This gentleman is quite the right stamp. If appointed he will be serving with and commanding some of the men he has trained during the last year.”

In September 1914 alone, 60 men are recorded as leaving Fowler Hall for Ballykinlar Camp to join the ‘Tyrones’.

The war signalled significant developments in the corps, with an estimated 600 of its 2000 members enlisting. As the emergence of an ‘Ulster’ solution to the Home Rule crisis became apparent, the determination of the men to ‘fight’ Home Rule understandably took a major blow. However the focus for their ‘fight’ simply changed, and at a general meeting of the organisation in August 1915, it was proposed that they affiliate themselves with the Irish Association of Voluntary Training Corps. To this end, 200 immediately signed up, effectively making the men a reserve army unit. They saw active service a lot quicker than they anticipated, and upon the outbreak of the Easter Rising they assisted troops from the Curragh in suppressing the violence. On the first day of the rising several Loyal Dublin Volunteers lost their lives.

When the Civil War between pro-treaty and anti-treaty elements of the IRA erupted in 1921, the Orange Order were forced out of Fowler Hall. Anti-treaty IRA seized the building as their headquarters, in the process destroying many important documents relating to both the Order and the Loyal Dublin Volunteers. This was to signal a de-facto Orange exodus from the city, with the last Orange procession in 1938 attacked as they made their way to board trains to Northern Ireland Twelfth demonstrations. Today the Loyal Dublin Volunteers are a relatively unknown organisation. The arms find of 1935 however, indicates very clearly the scale, professionalism and determination of these Dublin citizens some 20 years earlier.

By Quincey Dougan

News Letter

The statement acknowledges that the people of the British Isles are  ”uniquely linked by geography and history, are connected today as never before through business, politics, culture and sport, travel and technology, and of course family ties.”

It points to the human links that exists between our people and celebrates  ”the presence of a large, confident, valued and integrated Irish community in Britain and in the increasing number of British people who now live and work in Ireland.”

And it recognises our economies benefit  ”from a flow of people, goods, investment, capital and ideas on a scale that is rare even in this era of global economic integration.”

Building on the successful State Visit of Her Majesty The Queen, it looks forward to the prospect of a return State Visit by the President of Ireland at an appropriate time.

It also calls for the  decade of centenary commemorations of events to be marked “in a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation. We want to ensure that this is a decade not only of remembering but also of looking forward; a decade of renewed and strengthened co-operation between our two countries.”

It is hoped that over the next decade there will be even stronger relations between the Republic of Ireland the UK, for the sake of “current and future generations living on these islands.” This can only be good for all parties involved.

This year saw the momentous visit of HM Queen to our State for the first time since her coronation. The Worshipful Master and Brethren were delighted to be a part of the historic visit, and are thankful for the warm reception the Queen received from the Irish people. We wish her God’s richest blessing as she enters her Diamond Jubilee year.

The voice of the Irish people was heard at the polls in November as they elected President Michael D. Higgins to represent them at home and abroad. President Higgins has committed himself to creating an inclusive Irish identity that all people will be proud to own. We are heartened by his initial engagement with the Irish Protestant community and look forward to him building further bridges and fostering hope.

2011 was 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, a translation that has greatly influenced both our language and culture down through the years. The Godslot on RTE Radio One are to be commended for marking this milestone in the life of the English speaking world and it’s fitting that we should end this Christmas message with a quotation from 1611 Bible:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

Happy Christmas!

As President, he will be responsible for protecting the civil and religious liberties, which flow from the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and which are enshrined in the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

He will also be responsible for representing all the people of the Republic of Ireland at home and abroad, not just the majority community. The Protestant community is a significant minority within the State and deserves representation at the highest level. We hope that the new President will acknowledge and celebrate our rich Orange heritage and tradition, and recognise the positive contribution Protestants make to Irish society.

We also hope that he will continue the good work of peace and reconciliation across these islands and further develop our special relationship with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This would bring innumerable benefits to the people of Ireland as would a return to the Commonwealth of Nations, where we already have close cultural and economic links.

The last President enjoyed good relations with HM Queen and it is our hope that the new President will nurture this friendship with the House of Windsor.

A prayer for the President and all in authority.
Almighty God, who rulest over the kingdoms of the world; We commend to thy merciful care the people of this land, that being guarded by thy providence, they may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of this State and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, that they may serve thy people faithfully to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Cavan County Grand Orange Lodge
Donegal County Grand Orange Lodge
Dublin and Wicklow Loyal Orange Lodge
Leitrim County Grand Orange Lodge
Monaghan County Grand Orange Lodge

The simple reality for Protestants living outside Dublin is that very few of them have access to a local secondary school that shares their faith. This means that they are forced to send children away to a boarding school – this is often expensive, and effectively a tax on their beliefs.

In the school where I am headmaster, Kilkenny College, more than 90 per cent of the boarders are Church of Ireland. They come from Kilkenny and the neighbouring counties. Parents make enormous sacrifices to ensure that their children can attend.

I know from personal experience many of them do without holidays or other luxuries to cover the costs, because the State doesn’t provide free education in day-schools for Protestants across huge swathes of the State. For a majority, attendance is only possible through accessing a means-tested grant.

Consider these facts; only 12 counties in the Republic have a Protestant secondary school of any description. There are only six free Protestant second-level schools and three of these are in Dublin and Wicklow.

This means that most Protestants cannot attend a free school because they live many hours’ drive from one. This makes a good network of rural boarding schools essential to serve the thinly scattered population. These schools are inclusive, not elitist.

These simple facts distinguish Protestant boarding schools from their Catholic fee-charging counterparts. The latter have alternatives and pupils could choose to go to the local Catholic secondary school.

In the past this has been recognised by the State, and Protestant schools have been funded a little differently. Even in this country’s darkest days, governments have found ways to respect and protect the different ethos and beliefs of the country’s minorities.

Protestants have also been flexible. Ever since free education was introduced in secondary schools over 40 years ago, the Protestant churches rationalised and amalgamated their second-level schools rapidly to attempt to cover a very scattered, low-density population at a low cost.

The State agreed a modified approach for the remaining Protestant secondary schools where equivalent State funding to the free scheme was provided, with the additional cost provided by parents through fees and by donors and trustees.

That system worked at little cost to the State until 2008 when then minister for education Batt O’Keeffe unilaterally changed the arrangement. Thereafter, Protestant secondary schools would be treated the same as fee-charging Catholic schools. The difference, of course, is that for Protestant parents over most of the country there simply is no choice provided by the State of a school of the same ethos.

Since 2008, parents who wish their children to attend the remaining fee-charging schools have seen their teacher allocation and grants cut.

When mention of the supposed €100 million in State subsidies to fee-charging schools is made, many fee-paying parents comment that it is they who have been subsidising the State.

The cost to the State of keeping a child in one of the Protestant secondary schools is far less than that of going to a local secondary vocational or comprehensive school. A PricewaterhouseCooper study found that the cost to the State of each pupil in a fee-charging school is €3,483 less per year.

Protestant parents who wish to exercise their constitutional right to send their children to a school of their ethos now fear that their schools of choice may soon be forced to close or raise fees so high that most parents will no longer be able to afford them. That fear stems from media comment of further disimprovement of the pupil/teacher ratio relative to other schools.

Already stretched on all fronts, parents and schools’ management believe such a move would result in a tipping point with extremely serious fallout.

A liberal, pluralist and democratic republic has a responsibility to its minorities. Protestant parents and school managers simply ask for the same level of State funding as any other sector.

Schools like Kilkenny College provide not only tuition and accommodation but careful attention to health, safety, child protection, nutrition, extra curricular activities and supervision to name but a few of the daily needs.

That requires many additional staff and a strong extra-curricular programme in which day pupils also engage. The Protestant rural schools are all co-educational, and they have pupils across the widest ability spectrum from rural and urban backgrounds.

In an era of cutbacks, when our country has to use every euro wisely, education remains essential. It is right that many people question the old ways of doing things but this is one example where good sense, tolerance and co-operation had produced a balanced model that worked well.

Until the State is in a position to provide a dense network of free Protestant schools, the fairest system is the system that existed until 2008.

There is already an effective tax on Protestants by forcing so many to educate semi-privately. To impose yet more charges and cuts on Protestant schools will only make things even more unjust.

Ian Coombes is headmaster of Kilkenny College

Belfast 12th 2011

It’s been awhile since we updated people as to what is happening in Dublin & Wicklow LOL1313 so it’s about time to get another one of these posts up I think. This has been a very busy year for the lodge on all fronts. Lots of media interest in who we are and what we’re doing and to be honest, it’s all been very positive. This has been something new for us at LOL1313 and since we’ve went online and starting publishing our newsletters and Faith & Liberty Magazine, people are coming forward and giving us the opportunity to tell the country about ourselves and what we stand for. Becoming more public helps us combat some of the misconceptions people have about the Orange Order and Orangemen outside of a Northern Ireland context and helps show people that the Republic of Ireland still has a very vibrant Orange tradition that is woven into the fabric of true Irish society.

The media attention as well as us becoming more pubic has also had a postive effect on membership and the lodge has seen a steady increase in membership and membership enquiries over the last year and a half. The focus now will be to continue that increase in membership and aim to get new lodges opened throughout the country. If you or anyone you know are interested in finding out more about the lodge or joining us then please get in touch. Even if you just want to meet up for a chat initally, you’d be more than welcome. We don’t bite The Orange tradition has been an integral part of Irish Protestant and Irish life for centuries, it’s one that is constantly reforming itself and constaly evolving thanks to the wide variety of people that make up it’s membership. We have people from all sorts of backgrounds and denominations in LOL1313, and people from as south as Cork to as north as Co. Down as members.

The next plan to is to get the second issue of Faith & Liberty Magazine done and dusted. The last issue was extremely well received by the public, both members and non-memebers and we welcome all feedback – good bad or indifferent. The focus of that magazine is help spread and promote the minority cultural identity in Ireland and give a voice to a minority who’ve been silent for far too long. We do commend everyone who went out of their way to ensure southern Orangemen were represented at Islandbridge when HM Queen Elizabeth visited Dublin recently and we hope the same spirit can continue in the future.

Hmmm…what else? LOL 1313 had a very successful day out in Rossnowlagh this year joined by thousands of friends and supporters. We’d highly recommend this parade to anyone who’d like to attend an Orange parade to see what it’s all about. The atmosphere is relaxed and if the weather is good, it’s one of the finest Orange parades on the island. I was dissapointed though at how small coverage this parade gets in the Irish media. This is an annual event with 13,000 people in attendance but it warrants just a 20sec news clip at the end of RTE News? Maybe next year? It’s also disappointing that again both RTE and the BBC never mentioned Dublin when relaying which counties were represented at Rossnowlagh.

The Annual Reformation Service will be held again this year on the 31st of October, but more details as they are sorted out. Again, this is open to the public, so feel free to come along and bring a friend with you. This new lodge year, from Sept onwards is setting itelf up to be a very busy one with a few new ideas to be developed and I’ll keep you posted.

Dublin & Wicklow LOL1313