A Canadian gold mining firm has turned down a request by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) to access land in Co. Tyrone where locals say a Mass rock is located.
The AOH says up to 12 bands and several hundred people are expected to attend a parade in Greencastle on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fatima.
Dalradian Gold has claimed there is no evidence of a Mass rock on its land but insists it wants to be a “good neighbour” and have “equal respect for all faith groups”.
In a reply to a letter from the AOH, the firm said it wants to “arrange a meeting to discuss the issues” but added that “until we can meet we are unable to facilitate your request”.