The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland were recent visitors to St Paul’s History Department. Mr David Scott and Mr David Hume came to deliver a lecture on Unionism at the turn of the twentieth century.

In an informative talk Mr Hume outlined the development of Ulster Unionism from their reaction to the 1885 Home Rule Bill up to Ulster Day in 1913 and the Larne Gun-running in 1914.

Particularly interesting were the folk stories about the landing of weapons in Larne and how half of all the motor cars in Ulster were commandeered to ferry away the rifles.

The South Armagh students chuckled appreciatively when they heard of the decoy ship sent to Belfast harbour to dupe the police.

After Mr Hume’s talk, students bombarded the two Orangemen with questions relating to the Order today, and role they play in Irish society.

Did they feel exploited by political unionism? Was there a possible solution to controversial parades? Did they ever see an end to tribal politics in the North? Their position on the appearance of a GAA jersey in Eastenders? The question and answer session was lively and robust and our students appreciated the direct manner of the speakers.

The entrepreneurial spirit of St Paul’s shone through at the end, when Danny Byrne secured a gig at their next social function and a stand for a chip van in the Field on the 12^th July.

He can forget any performances on the Garvaghy Road though.