The Orange Order's new superhero has been given
a name - Diamond Dan, the Orangeman.
The colourful figure, bedecked in orange and
purple, was the focus for unprecedented media attention when
he was first introduced to the public in November. He appeared
on Orange Institution Christmas cards and proved an instant
success.
He will now feature on new badges and other
merchandise such as fridge magnets and notebooks.
Grand Lodge launched a competition to name the
cartoon figure and there were more than 120 suggestions, many
of them from the young people to whom the character was intended
to appeal to the most.
A special committee was set up to select the
winning name.
Director of Services of the Grand Lodge, David
Hume said:
"We were delighted with the response to the competition.
There were many strong entries such as Sash Gordon, Sashman
and the Boyne Wonder.
"We picked Diamond Dan the Orangeman for
a number of reasons.
"The name Diamond Dan has resonance going
back more than 200 years to the formation of the Institution
at the Diamond, Loughall, in 1795. Dan Winter was one of the
founding fathers of the Order. It will raise questions which
we can answer as part of our education outreach and explanation
of our history.
"And of course apart from the historical
aspect of the name, it has a good ring to it."
The name was the idea of Steven Mitchell a primary
school pupil from Lisburn. He received a cheque from the Grand
Treasurer, Mervyn Bishop.
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