#OnThisDay 29 May 1798, communications between Rebels (United Irishmen) are discovered bearing the password ELIPHISMATIS- alleged by some to mean 'Every Loyal Irish Protestant Heretic I Shall Murder and This I Swear'. The password is recognised as part of a 'Defender' oath

In-depth coverage of the new Ulster Special Constabulary Musuem, Loughgall, in this week's Ulster Gazette. The new Museum in the former Loughgall Police Station plans to open in the Autumn....

#OnThisDay 28 May 1798, Daniel Frederick Ryan dies after having been repeatedly stabbed by United Irish leader Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Wexford born surgeon, journalist, Orangeman and alleged author of famous song decrying all inspired by the French Revolution, 'Croppies Lie Down'

#OnThisDay 27 May 1798, the Battle of Oulart Hill, County Wexford. Between 4000 and 5000 rebels butchered a tiny force of 110 men from the North Cork Militia. Only 5 survived.

#OnThisDay 26 May 1798, battle fought on the hugely symbolic Hill of Tara. Despite outnumbered around 6 to 1 and fighting up-hill, British forces thrashed thousands of rebels, killing at least 400 and taking minimal casualties. Signalled the end of rebellion in County Meath

#OnThisDay 25 May 1825, John Hunter Gowan II dies. Infamous hated Wexford figure for alleged brutality as commander of corps 'The Black Mob' in 1798 (despite being 71 years old!). Formed Mount Nebo Orange Lodge 406. Constant desecration of his grave-had to be filled with concrete

#OnThisDay 24 May 1921, first election to Northern Ireland government took place. Parliament consisted of House of Commons and Senate. Unionists won 40 of the 52 seats in the House and all 24 elected seats in the Senate-2 others taken by Lord Mayors of Belfast and Londonderry

#OnThisDay 23 May 1914, London Unionists drilling in support of the Ulster Volunteer Force presented with colours at Wealdstone. Organised under the auspices of the British League for the Support of Ulster and the Union, this body sometimes referred to as the ‘Union Jack Corps’

#OnThisDay 22 May 1922, William Twaddell MP for West Belfast murdered by IRA gunmen in the City Centre. Prominent Orangeman and a leader of the Ulster Imperial Guards. Signalled the 'start of the end' for the IRA campaign, with a clamp down on their activity and mass internment

#OnThisDay 21 May 1807, William Saurin appointed Attorney General of Ireland. Belfast born (Shankill), for 15 years he dominated and controlled Irish politics. Daniel O’Connell considered him a 'mortal foe’. A prominent Orangeman, he was strongly against the Act of Union

#OnThisDay 20 May 1690, William III breaks European conventions of war, and issues the ‘Act of grace’ absolving James II supporters and political opponents of reprisal for their sedition. Despite without precedent in leniency, the Jacobite's continued their campaign

#OnThisDay 19 May 1798, traitor and most important United Irishmen leader (via social status, influence) Lord Edward FitzGerald is arrested by Major Sirr and Captains Swan and Ryan, both Orangemen. Sir Edward never lived to see the Rebellion he had desired so much, fail miserably

Militaria fair now underway in Carelton St in Portadown! Doors open at 10!!!!

#OnThisDay 18 May 1924, 4th Earl of Bandon James Bernard dies. Despite regarded as a good landlord, his home at Castle Bernard burned to the ground on 21st June 1921, and the Earl kidnapped. Opened the new Bandon Orange Hall in 1872, and was County Grand Master of Cork Orangemen

#OnThisDay 17 May 1922, in response to Southern boycott of Northern goods, Ulster Trades Defence Association issue notices- 'They have produced an atmosphere of bitter hostility... have stolen and burnt... have maltreated Ulster travellers... have intimidated merchants'...

This Saturday sees the quarterly Militaria and Collectables Fair in Carleton St Portadown. 32 vendors are booked in. One of the Premier events of its type in the entirety of NI or the RoI! All welcome...

#OnThisDay 16 May 1914, first public drill of the Glasgow Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force. Companies present from Rutherglen, Clydebank, Gallowgate, Whiteinch, Maryhill and Cowcaddens (2). Over 500 attended in preparation for a major review of the force in two weeks

#OnThisDay 15 May 1903, Lt. Col. James Cunningham born Glencairn, Belfast. Newspaper owner and managing director, banker, stockbroker, highly regarded solider WW2, politician, President of Ulster Unionist Council, and lifelong Orangeman (Fernhill Temperance LOL 1338)

Within most Irish historiography circles there is a continual drive to claim all that is good, disown all that is 'bad', and in the process outline an inherent victim-hood. The only agency was that that delivered merit. The negative? Another actors fault. It is pathological...

#OnThisDay 14 May 1893 George 'Deadeye' McElroy born in Dublin into an Orange and Unionist family. Leading Irish fighter pilot WW1- brought down 47 enemy aircraft until shot down 1918. Memorial stone in St Mary's Church of Ireland to both George and brother William (KIA WW2)