Work has now started to take away the “last remaining physical reminder” of the infamous Drumcree conflict with the removal of a ‘stand-down’ hut on the grounds of Drumcree Parish Church in Portadown.
The demolition work on the hut has been approved as part of wider plans to refurbish and reinstate a former Sexton’s house for which plans were rubber-stamped by Council in June 2024.
A team of three volunteers are now painstakingly removing the last remnants of the stand-down hut before restoration works can begin.
It is expected that demolition work will be complete by Friday, January 24.
In an exclusive interview with Armagh I, several members of the parish explained that the three workers had commenced demolition work on Thursday, January 16, but that it had “dawned” on the men while they were working, the historical and symbolic significance of the structure they were tearing down.
The hut – which is formally described in the planning application as ‘corrugated metal lean-to abutment’ – sits against the North-West wall of a former Sexton’s house.
It is believed that the shed once acted as a “protest space” during a period of tension surrounding contentious parade routes in the 1990s.
A member of the parish explained: “I think it was built sometime around 1996 or 1997. Once they were stopped in their traditional route along the Garvaghy Road a few Orangemen agreed that they wouldn’t leave Drumcree until permission was granted.
“For quite a number of years the stand-down hut was occupied on a rota-like basis 24-7.”
The partly demolished ‘stand-down’ hut connected to the former Sexton’s house
The parishioners explained that they believe the hut to have been vacant and no longer serving a purpose for a period of approximately 15 years.
And, while this metal lean-to is relatively inoffensive to the eye – one parishioner said that “many Christians believe that it has been a curse on the church” because of its connection to the area’s controversial past.
He also understands that a similar controversy may surround its removal, stating: “It’s painful for some people and, perhaps, a mark of triumph for others.”
The statement elucidates the underlaying controversy that the structure symbolises and the parishioners are aware that not all will view its removal as a step forward.
But, they do feel that this is exactly how the works should be viewed.
Said one: “It’s very significant. Obviously the hut has been a bone of contention between the community for quite some time.
“It could be an offensive thing for many people, bringing back hurtful memories from those years. And, it is important to note that the conflict had nothing to do with the Church.
“We are hopeful that its removal will symbolise the beginning of something new.”
Once works on the former Sexton’s house are complete the space will be put back into use, however, the exact nature of its use is still to be determined.
The space currently occupied by the hut is not earmarked for any future development.
