As always the list of Twelfth venues conjures images of deep Ulster, in a similar way to how the names of midweek venues on rugby tours of South Africa would conjure up images, smells almost, of dust from the parched soil, of braai, of thin, bone dry air. Potchefstroom, Kimberley, East London, Boet Erasmus, Northern Transvaal.
Ahoghill and Derriaghy jump off the screen immediately. Iād love to visit Ahoghill some day. The name has an aura. You wouldnāt smile easily in Ahoghill. Youād be afraid to smile in Ahoghill.
Ballygawley and Irvinestown will be interesting. St. Molaise Park, scene of manyās the Ulster Championship clash, would make a grand field.
As always the Co. Armagh demonstration will be the piece de resistance. After two years in the relative metropoli of Armagh City and Lurgan, tiny Killylea gets the honour this year. It should be something to behold.
Isnāt that the whole point of it!?
I passed by our own bonfire this evening, a big black banner was on it but unfortunately the writing was in black also. I think it said āProgression Requires Concessionā, but it looked more like a flag for the hunger strikers.
