Bloody Sunday families will oppose return of Soldier F band to city

RELATIVES of Bloody Sunday victims say they will officially objectn to any moves to allow the controversial Clyde Valley flute band to march in Derry next month.

The Larne band caused outrage in August when its members paraded through Derry in uniforms bearing Parachute Regiment insignia in support of Soldier F.

The former Parachute Regiment soldier is expected to be charged with the murders of Bloody Sunday victims, William McKinney and Jim Wray and five attempted murders.

Following the annual Relief of Derry march, leadership of the Apprentice Boys acknowledged the hurt caused by the Larne band. Governor Graeme Stenhouse said: “We recognise that this may have caused upset to many in the nationalist community.”

However, it has now emerged that the Clyde Valley flute band intends to take part in the Apprentice Boys’ ‘Lundy’s Day’ march in Derry on Saturday, December 7. The march commemorates the closing of the gates of Derry to start the 1689 siege.

Mickey McKinney, a brother of Bloody Sunday victim, William McKinney, said there could be no question of allowing the band to parade again.

“That band came to Derry in August and caused pain and grief. I and others would be objecting to any moves by them to return for Lundy’s Day,” Mr McKinney said.

John Kelly, whose brother, Michael was also shot dead on Bloody Sunday, said the Bloody Sunday families and others would lodge a complaint with the Parades’ Commission if it was confirmed that Clyde Valley intended returning next month.

As organisers of the parade, the Apprentice Boys must lodge a 11/1 notification with the Parades Commission at least 28 days before the march.

Members of the public or their representatives can at that point make submissions before the Commission rules on any aspect of the parade and if restrictions need to be applied for public order in the city.

Mr Kelly said: “The Apprentice Boys tell us this is about commemorating the siege so it’s up to them to make sure this is dealt with and that no band tries to politicise the march by supporting Soldier F. It falls on them to be responsible.”

The case pending against Soldier F was adjourned earlier this year to Derry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 4 when further legal arguments are expected to be heard.

The media are expected to ask District Judge Barney McElholm for the reporting restriction, which bans Soldier F from being identified, to be lifted.

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