The usually monthly meeting of Convoy Thiepval Memorial L.O.L. 1005 East Donegal became a truly special event on Monday 8th February as 3 members received long service jewels. Exactly 197 years of service to the Orange Order was recorded. The Deputy Grand Master of Ireland Bro. Stevenson was in attendance for the presentation. There were many visitors from within the District including Bros.Samuel J.Eaton and Laird McKinley of Raphoe Crimson Defenders L.O.L. 1921 and the Maxwell brethren of Doorin in South Donegal.

Bro.Thomas Dunlevy, now in his 90th year, was presented with a jewel for 75 years service to the Order. Bro.Dunlevy originally joined St.Johnston L.O.L. 992 in 1935. He later transferred to Lifford Purple Heroes L.O.L. 1860, became a Sir Knight in Lifford R.B.P. and was a piper in the Lifford Pipe Band. When in the late 1960s the Loyal Orders in Lifford ceased to operate, he transfered to Convoy. Bro. Dunlevy is still an active Lecturer having attaining his Certificate in 1947. In addition to his Orange activities Bro. Dunlevy is also an active member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and Raphoe R.B.P. 258 where he has held office as Worshipful Master.

The D.G.M. also had the honour of presenting Bro. William Porter with a jewel for 72 years membership. Bro. Porter has the honour of being a Past Grand Master of South West Australia. He originally became a member of Castlefin L.O.L. 774 in 1938 where he was Drum Major of the Lodges Pipe Band. In 1947 he transferred to Convoy where he became Secretary in 1949 and also became Drum Major of the Convoy Pipe Band. In the early 1950s Bro. Porter emigrated to England and then to Australia. While "down under" he remained an active Orangeman and was elected G.M. of S.W. Australia. He returned to Donegal in the late 1990s and rejoined his old Lodge in Convoy.

Like Bro. Dunlevy, Bro. Porter is an active and well respected member within the Lodge and their enthusiasm and interaction with the younger Brethern is an example to all.

Lastly the D.G.M. presented a 50 year Jewel and Certificate to P.M. Bro.Alex Buchanan. Bro.Buchanan joined Convoy Lodge in 1960 and has held the office of Secretary for 30 years between 1970 and 2000 and was elected Worshipful Master between 2001 and 2004. Bro.Buchanan has also been Master of No.3 District East Donegal and held office within The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge. He is also an active member of the Convoy Branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and a member of Raphoe R.B.P. 258. The Buchanan Family have been associated with L.O.L. 1005 almost since its formation in 1919, the late Bro.W.R.Buchanan having joined in 1925. In the last number of years Bro. Alex Buchanan has been instrumental in the modernisation of L.O.L.1005 by actively supporting and encouraging the younger leadership. This again has proven successful for the future of Orangism within East Donegal.

All 3 members were highly praised by the W.M. of 1005 Bro.Clive McGonigle, the D.M. Bro.Alan Laird and the many visitors who attended the meeting, including the Deputy District master of No.3, Bro.Bert McGonigle, himself a long standing member of 1005. The D.G.M. praised the ongoing success of Convoy Thiepval Memorial L.O.L.1005, its development and growth. He also praised thier excellent Orange Hall and its facilities and believed 1005 is a shining example within the Institution as a whole. Supper was provided by the Lodge Members and a memorable evening was had by all present.