Controversial Effigy of Kneecap Ignites Tensions Ahead of Orange Order Parades

Belfast, Northern Ireland – On the night of July 11, 2025, firefighters in Northern Ireland confronted an intense operational challenge as they responded to numerous bonfire-related incidents ahead of the highly anticipated Orange Order parades. Among the most provocative occurrences was the placement of an effigy depicting the West Belfast rap trio Kneecap atop a bonfire on Roden Street, a move that is expected to attract significant condemnation from various community leaders and activists.

According to Andy Burns, area commander for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the agency received 277 emergency calls between 6 PM and 2 AM, resulting in 194 operational incidents, with 72 specifically related to bonfires. This marked a 154% increase in emergency calls compared to the previous year, illustrating the escalating tensions surrounding the annual parades, which commemorate the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, where Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II.

The bonfire incidents coincide with a broader context of rising sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland, particularly during this time of year, when Orange Order parades attract tens of thousands of participants across 19 main locations. The parades are often regarded as a celebration of Unionist culture but have also been a flashpoint for conflict between loyalist and nationalist communities.

In recent days, there have been additional incendiary incidents, including the burning of an effigy of asylum seekers in a boat in Moygashel, County Tyrone, further inflaming community relations. According to Dr. Lisa McGowan, a social policy expert at Queen’s University Belfast, such acts are not merely symbolic but reflect deep-rooted societal divisions. "These effigies serve to highlight the ongoing struggles for identity and recognition within these communities," Dr. McGowan stated in her 2024 research published in the Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies.

The NIFRS reported that one firefighter was attacked while responding to a bonfire in Lisburn, although they remained unharmed. This incident was described by Burns as isolated and not indicative of the overall community response to firefighters during the busy night.

The policing of the Orange Order parades and associated bonfires is a costly endeavor. Last year, the cost of policing during the spring and summer months was reported at £6.1 million, which reflects an increase of £1.5 million from the previous year, according to a statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The PSNI anticipates that costs may rise further in 2025 due to decreasing police numbers and increased reliance on overtime to maintain public safety.

The Orange Order parades have been categorized into sensitive events by the Parades Commission, with 30 parades flagged for potential unrest. Locations of concern include areas in Belfast, Coleraine, and Portadown, where tensions historically run high. In one notable instance, a parade has been permitted to pass the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast, albeit with restricted participation.

As the events unfold, community leaders and local politicians have urged for peaceful expressions of culture and identity, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the underlying issues. "We must work towards healing and understanding, rather than escalation and division," stated John McAlister, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and advocate for community reconciliation.

The implications of these events extend beyond the immediate disturbances. They highlight the ongoing challenges faced in post-conflict Northern Ireland, where symbols and acts of identity can spark renewed tensions. As the 12th of July approaches, communities brace for both celebration and contention, underscoring the complex tapestry of cultural identity in Northern Ireland.