Ancient Order of Hibernians member clears up Plains republican march claims

Oct 13 2010

SIR – IN reply to the letter in the October 6 Advertiser regarding a parade which went through Plains on October 2, may I, as a National Board Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, board member of Lanarkshire and committee member of Coatbridge division, make it clear to Plains residents and all your readers that the parade mentioned had no connection to our order whatsoever.

Also, the two bands involved were in no way Ancient Order of Hibernian bands.

The word ‘Hibernian’ relates to Ireland and does not necessary mean the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The parade mentioned was organised by Cairde Na Heireann who were granted permission for the parade by North Lanarkshire Council after going through the proper channels.

May I take this opportunity to remind your angry Plains resident that it wasn’t the first time in North Lanarkshire that traffic has been blocked, people’s daily life disrupted and a large numbers of police officers have been on duty for other organised marches.

If the angry Plains resident has read the article on page five of the same edition of the Advertiser he will see that all parties involved in granting permission for this parade knew and all proper procedures were carried out by the organisers.

Andy Nelson, address supplied.