| It has been an unmemorable late July in terms of weather as it often is, yet conditions stayed pretty good for Open at Royal Portrush - despite rain at points. The changeable weather was like Wimbledon, yet it was extraordinary to be at a global sporting event locally, which Northern Ireland has barely ever hosted in its entire history. And what a success it all was, I write here. Here is a report from our sports writer Johnny Morton on how Rory McIlroy was the highlight, even though he didn't have a fairytale finish. Incidentally, our NI golfing star was delighted to stay at that new luxury hotel overlooking the Portrush course. A potentially controversial band parade in the town on the Saturday evening, between the penultimate and final day of the tournament went very well. It came a week after a Twelfth that was also a remarkable success, despite such exceptional heat for Northern Ireland (the day touched 30 Celsius) that I had feared people getting heatstroke. Here are pictures of that day. Meanwhile, the BBC has admitted that there was not, as it had reported, a causal link between the Orange Order reaction to a summer event involving the GAA and its cancellation. And we will be reporting coming days controversy over another parade, that of gay Pride in Belfast, amid bitter divisions over trans. Alliance has backed the event despite its direct challenge to Stormont over the banning of puberty blockers. Enjoy your Saturday and your reading, Ben | 
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