This “banning order” was delivered by the RUC to those named on the instructions of the Stormont Minister for Home Affairs who viewed these four men as being the prime organisers of Derry’s first official civil rights march. The late Sean (John) Gallagher was the chief marshall on the day. The three others named were taken from their homes early on Oct. 6th and charged at a special court held at the main RUC base, Victoria Barracks on Strand Road. The original document was recently donated to the Museum of Free Derry by Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh, a co-founder of Nicra, whose name appears in English:
PUBLIC ORDER ACT (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1951
WHEREAS I, The Right Honourable WILLIAM CRAIG, Minister of Home Affairs for Northern Ireland, am of opinion that the holding, on Saturday, 5th October, 1968, of any public processions or meetings in certain parts of the County Borough of Londonderry may give rise to serious public disorders:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, the Right Honourable WILLIAM CRAIG,
Minister of Home Affairs for Northern Ireland, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 2(2) of the Public Order Act (Northern Ireland) 1951, do hereby order that the holding, on Saturday, 5th October, 1968, of all public processions or meetings in any public highway, road, street or public place in that part of the County Borough of Londonderry situated within and on the Walls, and in the Waterside Ward of the said County Borough, be prohibited.
(Sgd.) Wm. Craig.
MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS
FOR NORTHERN IRELND
3rd. October, 1968
To –
Eamonn Joseph McCANN, 10 Gartan Square, Londonderry
Thomas Eamonn MELAUGH, 92 Circular Road, Londonderry
John GALLAGHER, 28 Nassau Street, Londonderry
George Finbar O’DOHERTY, 8 Ravenswood Park, Prehen, Londonderry