Hundreds celebrate Omagh’s first Pride Parade

Omagh hosted its first Pride Parade today (September 29). 

Hundreds gathered throughout the town to cheer on  and celebrate the historic parade as it made its way through Market Street and returned to its starting point at the South West College. 

Politicians from across Tyrone and the rest of the North marched in solidarity with members of the LGBT+ community along with various community groups, unions, members of the public and activists. 

Co-Founder of Omagh Pride Cat Brogan, said the atmosphere in the town was ‘electric.’

She said, “it went fantastically well. We had so many people out on the streets who were celebrating Omagh’s first Pride, they were absolutely loving what we were doing. 

“The atmosphere throughout the town was electric.”

 Politicians from throughout Tyrone and the North also marched in the parade from parties including Sinn fein, SDLP, Alliance, People Before Profit and the Green Party.

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, said that it was a ‘very exciting occasion.’

Mr McCrossan said, “there is a huge buzz around the town. There are people gathering from many parts from across the island to celebrate this great event today.”

The West Tyrone MLA added, “today is a huge recognition of the diversity that has enriched this constituency. There are so many people in this area who’ve wanted an event like this for many years.

“Iam delighted that the organisers have pulled this together with a huge amount of effort and made this happen.”

Sinn Fein MP Orfhlaith Begley also attended the event she said that the parade was a ‘historic Occasion.

The West Tyrone MP said, “I am absolutely delighted to be here today to support Omagh Pride.

“This is a very historic occasion not only for the county town of Tyrone but the entire county. 

“We are delighted to stand with our LGBT community and show our support and solidarity and also protest because Pride is a protest.”

Omagh Alliance party Councillor Stephen Donnelly, said he was there to show his ‘solidarity’ with the local LGBT Community. 

The Councillor said, “It is important to show that Omagh is an open, tolerant and generous society which welcomes the fact that we are diverse and are inclusive to all parts of our society. 

“I think this is a very big statement on how far Omagh has come over the last couple of decades.”

BY THOMAS MAHER 

t.maher@ulsterherald.com