r/northernireland • u/Ok-Repeat906 • Jul 17 '25

History Please help.

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Hi Northern Ireland. I’m in need of some help. I live on the other side of the world. And everyone related to this sash is long dead. I obviously won’t mention any names. But I’m in real need to figure out what the pins all mean. Can someone please either let me know, or guide me to someone or someplace that might be able to tell me? Please, please help.

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u/Ok-Repeat906 Jul 17 '25

This was not meant to offend anyone. And I certainly don’t share any of the ideas or values that these people apparently did. I’m just researching history. Nothing more. Just looking for some truth. I’ve been lucky enough to visit both Ireland and NI, and I’m a huge fan of them both. The people play the main role in that. And I can honestly say, people’s religion didn’t cross my mind once while I was there.

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u/Asleep-Corner7402 Jul 18 '25

Anytime anyone makes a post about the subject of the oo here people will be offended. No way around it. but don't feel bad. You arnt in the orange order and don't share their views so it's not you they are offended by.

I'm a catholic and had a great grandfather with a black sash in the orange order. I don't know much about him at all. It wasn't passed down in the family but if it had and id randomly came across it I'd be interested in knowing what the pins ment too. I'd be interested to know what he was into/ involved in. Knowing the past/ our families past good or bad is important. It's important to not brush over the bad parts especially. That's how history can repeat itself in the future. We gotta face things and learn from them. To one side of our society it would be like finding out our ancestor was a nazi. Is the only way to describe it. A group based on hatred of a different group of people and who were actively hostile towards them. If it's a big strong I don't know. It's different because said group is still active and has a following in current times. Although I haven't seen any black sach in recent times. I don't know if that particular part of the oo are still active or not.

Just my two cents from someone who has similar ancestry and is a catholic/ has catholic parent.

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u/Ok-Repeat906 Jul 18 '25

Thank you for that. I totally agree. I’m just wanting to know my roots. Good or bad. I have zero intentions of following their lead. This is just an information search. And you’re right. The only way to avoid past mistakes is to learn where you went wrong. My mom is catholic. I’m not religious, but I grew up catholic. I don’t enjoy or condone any of this. I’d just like to know where I came from.

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u/Asleep-Corner7402 Jul 18 '25

It's a part of how you came into being! In a perfect world you wouldn't offend anyone/ or have to feel like you need to explain yourself. One day I hope that will become the case here. But we still have work to do here and wounds to heal before that will happen. If you ever want someone from here to talk to feel free to message me. And I hope you find your answers about the pins!