Large crowd assembles for dissident republican Easter march.

A large crowd gathered in Londonderry for a dissident republican Easter march, featuring paramilitary-style uniforms and masked participants, as the procession moved from Creggan to the city cemetery amid ongoing police investigations and historical commemorations.

In Londonderry, several hundred individuals participated in a dissident republican Easter parade. Some attendees were seen wearing combat-style clothing and face coverings. The procession began at the Creggan area, progressing toward the city cemetery where historical republican commemorations took place.

Paramilitary Involvement

The parade was led by a group of 18 people dressed in paramilitary-style uniforms, an action that contravenes a directive from the Parades Commission. Members of Saoradh, a politically controversial organization previously associated with the New IRA network, coordinated the event. Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney confirmed that a live police investigation is underway regarding the parade.

Incidents During the March

During the procession, a vehicle on Central Drive in Creggan was deliberately set on fire and completely destroyed. The parade paused momentarily to allow an individual in paramilitary-style attire to place a wreath at the republican monument in Creggan. Upon reaching the cemetery, approximately twelve masked youths were observed carrying petrol bombs.

The ceremonies included clear instructions regarding conduct, emphasizing respectful presentation. Militaristic uniforms and defiant symbols were officially prohibited as a matter of civic decorum. The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported that multiple participants wore paramilitary-style uniforms, actions believed to violate the Terrorism Act 2000 as well as the Parades Commission regulations.

Scale and Participation

According to the Saoradh national committee, this year’s parade featured a single flute band and around 500 participants and supporters. The march reflects ongoing symbolic connections to historical republican uprisings, echoing the events initiated in Dublin more than a century ago.

Previous years’ marches have seen instances of violence. In 2025, for example, rioters threw approximately 50 petrol bombs at police near the city walls following a comparable parade. This year’s event maintained similar historical overtones, emphasizing remembrance and continuity rather than immediate confrontation.

Commemoration and Coverage

The commemorations resonate with the memory of the 1916 events, evoking reflection in both Dublin and Belfast. Media outlets documented the parade with photographs capturing both the ceremonial elements and the paramilitary presence.

Sources:

• Hundreds gather for dissident republican Easter parade - Yahoo News
• Dissident republican group holds Easter parade in Derry – The Irish Times
• Police launch investigation into dissident republican parade in Londonderry - Derry Now
• Hundreds gather for dissident republican Easter parade