Anti-Brexit protest on Irish-Northern Irish border

People living on the Irish border protested against the UK's withdrawal from the European Union (EU) on Friday warning that a hard deal Brexit was still a threat to those living between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland will withdraw from the EU along with the UK, but many protesting argue that the exit contravenes the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

The protests came as the UK formally withdrew from the EU at 11pm GMT.

Northern Ireland became a focal point of the three-year-long Brexit negotiations over fears that the reinstatement of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland could reignite sectarian violence that plagued the island for three decades and killed thousands during 'The Troubles.'

"Tonight, whether we like it or not, we are being dragged out of the European Union against our will. Brexit, and no form of Brexit, has any support on the island of Ireland," said Damian McGenity from an organization of border residents.

The Brexit deal agreed to by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson guarantees there will be no infrastructure along the border with the Republic and keeps the small UK territory, for all intents and purposes, attached to the EU for regulations and customs.

Brexit has also reinvigorated the controversial debate over Irish unity which could see the island reunited if referendums are held in both parts of the island under the rules of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mostly Irish Republicans claim the only way for Northern Ireland to rejoin the EU is to unite with the south.

"There is only one way back to Europe: if there is Irish unity," said Andree Murphy, Ireland's Future group.