March goes ahead despite opposition

The Portrush Sons of Ulster will press ahead with a celebration tonight, despite criticism from a golf tourism chief that it was an “unnecessary provocation” to Open fans arriving in the town.

The event billed as a “celebration of marching bands” takes place from 6:30pm in the town as tens of thousands of golf fans are due to start arriving in nearby bars.

There is no explicit reference to the parade being linked to the Battle of the Boyne commemorations of July 12, but the celebration, according to the group’s Facebook page, will end with a march to the “Orange hall”.

Among those to take offence is Conn Connolly, owner of tourist firm Real Irish Golf. “The Open coming to Portrush is a celebration that Northern Ireland has changed in ways over 20 years, it’s unnecessary provocation,” he said.

The group’s logo is a Union flag and Ulster banner and its Facebook page describes how its annual parade in the town had been scaled down by the Open. “It was important that we came to some sort of compromise,” the group said. “It was only after months of talks that we were able to come to this decision.”

Despite the potential to politicise the competition, both the R&A, which runs the Open, and players refused to criticise the march.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “As guests we are conscious that we want to be part of the community.” Graeme Mcdowell added: “Northern Ireland is a very unique place. I hope everyone has a good time.”