Members of the 1st Shankill Somme Association embarked on a poignant journey to Sloan House in Loughgall, County Armagh on 26th January 2019, immersing themselves in the rich history of the Orange Order and paying homage to those who sacrificed during times of conflict.
The association’s visit to this revered Orange Order museum, where the foundations of the organization were laid, marked a day of remembrance and reflection.
Led by Chairman Gary Dobbin, the delegation from the 1st Shankill Somme Association laid a wreath at the Village War Memorial, commemorating the lives lost in service to their country.
With solemn respect, they acknowledged the sacrifices made during the tumultuous years of strife.
The visit was not solely focused on paying respects; it was also an educational experience.
Members were treated to a guided tour of the museum, an institution teeming with relics and artifacts that recount the history and significance of the Orange Order.
As they traversed the halls, they gained insight into the origins and evolution of the Order, deepening their understanding of the role it has played in shaping the local community and its traditions.
Following their exploration of the Orange Order’s historical legacy, the delegation embarked on a journey to the past by visiting the old Loughgall RUC Station.
This building bore witness to a tragic event in its history when it was bombed by the IRA on August 11, 1986.
The repercussions of that fateful day still linger in the memory of the community.
The tour of the transformed police station, now repurposed as a museum, provided a glimpse into the past and an opportunity for reflection on the toll of conflict.
The site serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history that continues to shape the present and the future of Northern Ireland.
The Chairman and the association members embraced this opportunity to connect with history, to remember those who served, and to learn from the past.
The visit to Sloan House and the subsequent tour of the old Loughgall RUC Station were not just journeys into the annals of history, but symbolic gestures that reinforced the importance of remembrance, unity, and the hope for lasting peace in the region.
You can find more information about Sloan House by clicking here