GARRYOWEN

Garryowen LOL 221 was formed and issued with their warrant by Past Grand Master Robert Saulters in 2008 at a ceremony in Cromkill Orange Hall.

The name Garryowen was chosen as the founding members, all ex UDR, wanted the lodge to have a name with a strong connection with the Ulster Defence Regiment. Hence, Garryowen was chosen as this was the Regimental March of the UDR. The tune that you hear when you click on the home page is Garryowen.

Garryowen LOL 221 is mainly made up from ex-UDR soldiers with other ex-armed forces personnel in its ranks. However it is not limited to military personnel as civilians are made most welcome and are readily encouraged to join as we all have the same ambition which is to keep the proud name of the Ulster Defence Regiment alive and to enhance the strong connection between the Orange Order and the military.

Approximately 95% of our brethren have never been in the Orange Order previously, so as a direct result of forming Garryowen LOL 221 we have helped add numbers to the Institution. This was acknowledged by the Grand Lodge when we proudly received an award for having recruited into the Orange Institution, numerically, the most number of members in year 2009.

Garryowen are a travelling lodge with the aim to attend parades wherever we can to help support brethren and bands on both sides of the Irish Sea. We have attended the Twelfth celebrations in Glasgow and Liverpool/Southport in 2009 and Glasgow in 2010.

Our popularity has struct up friendships with various lodges and bands in our short life, friendships which we intend to build upon and ensure they remain strong for many years.

Garryowen LOL 221 is keeping the Proud name of the Ulster Defence Regiment alive and well to ensure that our fallen comrades will never ever be forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice they made in protecting all of the people of Northern Ireland.

If you are interested in joining our lodge you could find the experience very rewarding—not only educationally but it will open up a whole new social life which will give you the chance to meet brethren locally and from further a field. To find out more please send us an e-mail from the page and we will get straight back to you.