Limavady Closing the Gates Parade,2008
Thursday 18th December 2008 and Limavady once again commemorated the 320th anniversary of the shutting of the gates of Derry. The Roe Valley has a very special connection with the closing of the gates in Col. George Phillips. Col. Phillips was an elderly gentleman who had been a Governor of Londonderry and in 1688 resided in the family residence near were the Limavady Courthouse now stands in Main Street.
Phillips was concerned when he saw the Catholic redhank Regiment descend upon Newtownelimavady on their way to Londonderry. On reading a copy of the Comber letter, Phillips became even more concerned for the city and surrounding Protestants. He who sent word to Londonderry that King James' redshanks should not be admitted and it was he who first advised that the gates of the city be closed to the forces, who were savaging his home town of Limavady. The next day, Phillips proceeded to the City himself were he was made Governor again, a position he kept until the arrival of Col. Robert Lundy.
This episode in Ulster's history has been recalled annually for over 100 years as the local Apprentice Boys Clubs have marched through the town and burned the traditional effigy of Lundy the Traitor. At one time there were actually two effigies burned - one at Massey Avenue and one in Protestant Street. Apprentice Boys and towns-folk descended on Protestant street once again this year were Lundy was displayed prior to a parade of the town centre. Local bands and members of the Association from Londonderry and beyond swelled the ranks of the four local Club members; Limavady, Edenmore, Bellarena and Boveva & Ardinariff.
A bitterly cold night, a similar parade across the mountain at Coleraine and a bomb-scare in the town the night before, did nothing to reduce the crowds who came out both the take part in and to watch the parade. Indeed record numbers squeezed into Protestant Street to watch the Lieutenant Governor light the effigy of Lundy and, following some effort to get the effigy lit, great cheers went up as Lundy caught light. Ballyquin Flute Band provided musical entertainment as Lundy burned and a festive atmosphere was enjoyed by all.
It would appear that the Siege of Derry of 1688/89 has not been lost in the annuls of history in Limavady as this event is going though something of a revival. The thanks of the Officers and members of Limavady No Surrender Branch Club goes to all who turned out to take part in the parade, to support the parade, or who helped in any way on the night.
Posted at 20:13 on Saturday 20th December 2008