Council Chair hosts a reception for LOL 622 Inniskillings’ 200th anniversary
30th May 2025
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception for LOL 622 Inniskillings in recognition of its 200th anniversary.
The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception in the Townhall, Enniskillen:
Good evening Worshipful Master, Councillors, Ladies and Gentlemen
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception to mark the 200th anniversary of LOL 622 Inniskillings.
LOL 622 Inniskillings was established on 14 October 1824 with the signing of the official warrant. It was fitting that, on 14 October 2024, exactly 200 years later, you went to the home of the Inniskillings Regiments to mark your bicentenary with evening prayers.
I understand the Lodge was primarily a military one for many years with the majority of members serving in the 3rd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. It is for this reason that you proudly gave the Lodge the historically significant title of LOL 622 Inniskillings.
In the early years the Lodge met at the old Enniskillen Orange Hall located on East Bridge Street, now the Intec Centre, and then later moved to the Enniskillen District Orange Hall on the Tempo Road where you continue to meet today.
A number of the Lodge Members had active service in the early years with 15 members serving in the South African War from 1899 to 1902 and 14 members served in World War I from 1914 to 1918.
I am told that one notable member was Lieutenant Colonel James Armstrong who was a Lieutenant in the latter years of the South African War with the 27th Inniskillings. He later moved to Londonderry and Enniskillen and it was during his time here that he became a member of the Lodge.
A number of prominent businessmen have held the honourable position of Worshipful Master including the Late Bro James Robinson and the late Bro Moses Hall who both owned drapery businesses in the town. The late Bro Robert Donaldson also held the position and he owned a number of businesses in the town which are still operating today.
At its peak the Lodge had 70 members and you continue to flourish with a strong membership from across Enniskillen.
To achieve this tremendous milestone anniversary of 200 years is truly remarkable and it is testament to the strength of dedication of the members to ensure the Lodge is sustained and continues to attract new members. LOL 622 Inniskilings is now one of the longest sitting Lodges in Fermanagh.
Orange Lodges have a long established and rich history and heritage and they are an important part of the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to protecting and enhancing our rich and diverse natural, built and cultural heritage of the District. Orange Lodges such as LOL 622 Inniskillings help us to achieve this as you are committed to promoting and preserving culture and identity.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate all the members, past and present, of LOL 622 Inniskillings on your special 200th anniversary and I extend my best wishes that you continue to thrive and ensure the legacy of the Lodge is protected, cherished, celebrated and carried on for many years to come.
Thank you.