ORANGE ORDER INTENT ON BUILDING LOCAL RELATIONS

SINCE 2009, members of the 1690 Boyne Lodge have descended on the green, grassy slopes of the historic river to march in unison from one side of the river to the other.

Each year, it passes without incident, and last Saturday morning was no different.

Upwards of 70 members paraded from the site of the battle, over the Obelisk bridge, passing the base of the tower that gave it it’s name, and turning right up the Slane Road to the Crossing Field.

Following a gathering there, they departed for home.

But for Grand Master of the local lodge, William Smartt, the experience continues to build relations with the local area, encourages tourism to Drogheda and also is leading to a development on the historic site itself.

He revealed a walking path is being proposed and he hopes to see it come to fruition shortly.

He added that there is also a hope that the famed Obelisk, blown up in the 1920s, can be rebuilt.

‘ The welcome we get here is great and and is an honour for me as Grand Master to be here,’ Mr Smartt added.

A Garda operation was in place in the area around Oldbridge for some hours before the march, with the road closed for a short period as the marchers passed onto the road.