THE IRISH NEWS:
Posted by Jim on August 11, 2026
Northern Ireland
Apprentice Boys urged to ‘show respect’ after anti-Catholic slurs during Derry parade.
Relief of Derry parade attracted thousands at the weekend.
Thousands of Apprentice Boys of Derry marched through the city on Saturday to commemorate the Relief Of Derry in 1689.
By Connla Young, Crime and Security Correspondent
August 11, 2026 at 6:00am BST
The Apprentice Boys have been urged to ‘show respect’ after members were heard muttering anti-Catholic slurs during a parade in Derry at the weekend.
Thousands of loyal order members travelled to the mainly nationalist city for their annual ‘Relief of Derry’ parade on Saturday.
Around 124 bands and prominent unionist politicians, attended the annual parade, which marks the ending of the siege of Derry in 1689.
Footage circulated on social media reveals that several Apprentice Boys were heard making anti-Catholic remarks as they made their way along the city’s historic walls.
In one offensive clip, dozens of Apprentice Boys, wearing their traditional collarettes, can be seen marching past a well-known Derry entertainment venue in the Market Street area.
One marcher can then be heard saying, “Is that a Catholic Church?” to which another responds, “Does it breed many Catholics?”
During the same clip, Apprentice Boys can be heard saying “ah f**k ‘em” and “they’re just b**tards”.
Footage has also been circulated along with claims bands played sectarian tunes during Saturday’s event.
SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan said that every year “Derry welcomes the Apprentice Boys and other similar parades in a spirit of respect and tolerance, recognising that while we may have different cultures and traditions, there is room for everyone in our city and on this island.
“However, respect is a two-way street, and it is disappointing that over the past few years a small minority have caused issues, whether through singing songs, making comments or showing a lack of regard for local businesses and the public,” he said.
Mr Durkan added that his party has “engaged directly with the Apprentice Boys to try to address these issues and we welcome their ongoing efforts to resolve them.
“Derry has long been an example of how events like this can take place in a respectful way and it would be very disappointing to see that undermined by the actions of a small number of people” he said.
The Apprentice Boys were contacted.