Gallery: Thousands attend ‘Donegal Twelfth’ in Rossnowlagh

Click > Next to go through Thomas Gallagher's photos from the Donegal Twelfth

Around 10,000 people turned out in Rossnowlagh on Saturday for the ‘Donegal Twelfth’.

The annual Orange Order demonstration by the south Donegal seaside takes place on the last Saturday before the 12th of July celebrations in Northern Ireland.

Over 60 lodges from counties Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim were accompanied by lodges from across Northern Ireland.

The lodges were led by over 50 bands including the newly-formed Doorin Flute Band who were on parade for the first time.

The Grand Master of the Orange Order, Edward Stevenson, was among an attendance that included former DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP MLA Deborah Erskine.

“The mood is always very good here and we get help from everybody,” said the County Donegal Grand Master David Mahon.

“Everybody gets on well. We get loads of help from all the communities. We’ve a number of lodges with ten members and then some with 75 members.”

Rev Brian Russell, the Rector of Drumholm Parish, conducted a religious service and the colourful procession made its return with the roads thronged.

The Donegal lodges will take part in Wednesday’s Twelfth celebrations with demonstrations at various locations. Feeder parades will also take place in Donegal villages including Raphoe, Convoy and Manorcunningham.