Orangemen plan 'green dream'

A group of Orangemen have ensured that one corner of the Boyne battlefield will be theirs forever.

The Boyne Foundation has bought an area of the battlefield known as the green grassy slopes and aims to transform it into a major tourist attraction.

The foundation was formally launched with the support of Cooperation Ireland at the House of Lords earlier this month.

Lord Laird, who was one of those behind the purchase of the land, said they wanted to transform it into an area which could be enjoyed by everyone.

"The area of the Boyne we have bought is known as 'the green grassy slopes' and is the place where William and his armies would have overseen the battlefield with James II," he said.

"We want to take part of the northern field and turn it into an area where we can have picnics and barbeques and attract visitors to it.

"Before the Troubles started there used to be a lot of Orange lodges who went down to the field and had picnics on it, this will be open to anyone who wants to come along.

"We would like people to come down and understand who we are and be generally part of the process of spreading understanding and equality throughout the island."

The Irish government has already pledged funding to replace an obelisk built in 1735 to commemorate the battle. The original structure was destroyed by republicans in 1923.

"Our culture, our history and our community is just as valid as anybody else's and that will be recognised with the building of the obelisk," Lord Laird said.

"When it was built it 1735 it was the tallest man built object anywhere on the island of Ireland.

"So, if we can have that rebuilt that is going to help the tourism trade for everyone in the Boyne valley, so there are no losers."