Coronavirus: Apprentice Boys cancel Easter Monday demonstration amid COVID-19 concerns

The society's Governor Graeme Stenhouse and its General Secretary Billy Moore, in joint statement, said its annual demonstration in Cookstown on April 13 is now off.

They said it was cancelled in light of recent Government statements and public health advice regarding COVID-19.

"During this challenging time, we are mindful of the well-being of our members, bands and supporters, and the residents of Cookstown. As a responsible civic organisation it is our duty to place the well-being of the community foremost, as we have done before in similar circumstances.

"Furthermore, taking account of the Prime Minister’s appeal for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others, the Officers of the General Committee believe that all Apprentice Boys’ Parades, meetings, Church Services and any other Club events should not take place. In effect this means the suspension of all activities, starting immediately and until further notice.

"At this point nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our members, their families, friends and neighbours. In this challenging and fast-changing environment, we all must do what we must to support efforts to give our Health Services time and to support those in our communities who are vulnerable and feeling isolated," said the senior ABOD officers.