The great series of Ulster Protest meetings against the Liberal Government's proposals for Home Rule for Ireland, held 18th - 27th September 1912, began at Enniskillen and ended in Belfast. They were followed by the signing of the Covenant on Ulster Day, 28th September, in Belfast City Hall. Of the meetings on Thursday 26th, at Newtownards and Ballyroney, that at Ballyroney was chaired by the Earl of Kilmorey.