Orange Victims Day is one of the most solemn dates in the Orange calendar — a moment when we remember brothers and sisters who were cut down in the prime of life by cowardly terrorists.
On 1 September 2026, representatives of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution attended this year’s commemoration at Schomberg House, Belfast, joining with brethren from across the Province to pay tribute to those murdered during Northern Ireland’s long years of terrorism.
Imperial Grand Master Phil Moffat and County Grand Master of Antrim Roy Wilson laid a wreath on behalf of the Institution, reaffirming the ILOI’s commitment to ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of its members are never forgotten.
The Origins of Orange Victims Day
Orange Victims Day is held annually on 1 September, marking the anniversary of one of the darkest nights in the history of the Orange Institution — the Tullyvallen Orange Hall massacre of 1975.
The Tullyvallen Massacre — 1 September 1975
On that evening, members of Tullyvallen Guiding Star Temperance LOL 630 were gathered inside their rural Orange Hall in South Armagh when gunmen from the South Armagh Republican Action Force a cover name for the Provisional IRA launched a brutal attack. Just as Gerry Adam’s claims he was never in the PIRA so these cowardly killers lied about their membership of the PIRA. Their deeds so dark that it even shamed a terrorist group whose legacy was already murder and mayhem.
The isolated Orange Hall was an easy target, its meetings well known and located within a short distance of the terrorist safe haven of the Irish Repiblic. A gang of terrorist attacked that night as automatic gunfire tore through the hall.
Five Orangemen were murdered:
• John Johnston (80)
• James McKee (73)
• Ronnie McKee (40)
• Nevin McConnell (48)
• William Herron (68) — died two days later from his injuries
Seven others were wounded, and the attack was only ended when a member of the lodge, an off duty member of the security forces, though injured was able to return fire with a personal protection weapon. The first shot sent the killers running leavening a deadly IED ready to kill first responders when they came to the assistance of the wounded.
The attack was intended not only to kill but to terrorise and silence the Protestant community along the border. It became emblematic of the vulnerability of isolated rural Orange Halls, many of which were repeatedly targeted throughout the Troubles.
A Wider Campaign Against Orangemen
The massacre at Tullyvallen was part of a broader pattern of violence in which Orangemen, particularly in South Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and other border districts, were systematically targeted by republican paramilitary groups. Let us call that campaign of murder for wheat it really was – ethnic cleansing an attempt to redraw the border in the blood of our brethren.
Irish Roman Catholic terrorists carried out shootings, bombings, and assassinations that claimed the lives of dozens of members of the Orange Institution. Many victims were:
• attacked while travelling to or from lodge meetings, their places or work or worship
• ambushed on rural roads and isolated farms and workplaces
• murdered at or near Orange Halls with many others bombed and burnt out
• singled out because of their role in local Protestant life
Victims’ groups such as FAIR (Families Acting for Innocent Relatives) have long documented how these attacks were part of a sustained effort to intimidate, destabilise, and depopulate Protestant communities along the border. Since 1998 they have been to the forefront in exposing the Human Rights abuses of the PIRA and other Irish Roman Catholic Republican terrorist groups. Throughout that time the ILOI have supported their stand and through initiatives like the Long March have helped victims gain a voice and a platform to ensure they are not forgotten.
As an organisation based mainly in North Antrim we are ever mindful of how different the experience was for Protestants and members of the Loyal Orders living along the border. While many of our members served in the security forces often in dangerous areas we are thankful to God for his protection. For our members who served and sacrificed to defend our country and defeat terrorism we pay tribute and mark their efforts.
The ILOI’s Message of Remembrance
Following the wreath‑laying, the Imperial Grand Master reflected on the importance of truth and memory:
“We were honoured to take part in Orange Victims Day. There are many who would try to airbrush from history the deeds of those who stood up to terrorism. We will never forget those who answered the call and stood between us and the terrorists. We will always remember the sister and brethren from the Orange Institution who paid the supreme sacrifice.”
He concluded with the scripture that has long guided the Institution’s commemorations:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Standing Together in Memory
Orange Victims Day is not only a moment of reflection — it is a reaffirmation of community, truth, and gratitude. The Independent Loyal Orange Institution stands proudly with all who honour the fallen, ensuring that their courage continues to inspire future generations.
It is important that never forget what happened in South Armagh and across our beloved country. No matter how elevated terrorist politicians become or how sanitised their actions appear or how many accommodate or accede to their demands we will not forget who and what they are.
As an Institution we look forward to taking our turn to host Orange Victims Day in 2028, and re dedicate ourselves to work for the victims. While we remember the service and sacrifice we are also mindful of those members and those in our community who still live with the scars of the past . In the build up to Orange Victims day in 2028 we will be launching our own initiatives to assist our members and the wider community who are Veterans, and Victims. From fund raising to awareness raising we will be working with existing victims and veterans charities to ensure that we put this commitment into action.
