Protestants in Ulster go on pre-parade rampage

July 13, 1983

A mob of 500 Protestants rioted in the streets of Ballynahinch, attacking Roman Catholic homes and businesses hours before Orange Day parades celebrating the Protestant defeat of Catholics at the Battle of the Boyne 300 years ago. Police reported 23 injuries and three arrests during the rioting in the village, 15 miles outside of Belfast.

Later at the parades, police mounted tight security precautions for fear of possible attacks by guerrillas from the outlawed Irish Republican Army.