Portadown District LOL No.1

Media News 2007

"We will rebuild Orange Hall"

An Orange hall in the Republic has been gutted in a Halloween blaze.

The Drumartin Orange Hall near Cootehill in Co Cavan, which was built in 1925, has been left with only four walls standing.

But Drew Nelson, the Orange Order's Grand Secretary, is adamant that the hall will rise from the ashes thanks to its determined and organised members and friends.

It is understood that this is the 34th attack on an Orange hall since July.

Dru martin Orange Lodge members have set up an account in the Ulster Bank in Cootehill to which donors can send their money.

Mr Nelson says gardai are trying to establish the cause of the blaze - but early indicators are that it was deliberate.

He said it was the third Orange hall out of 10 in the county to be destroyed over the last 20 years.
Mr Nelson said the three halls destroyed were in a five-mile radius of each other - and that members in the area felt vulnerable.

More than 300 Orange halls have been attacked throughout the Province during the past 30 years.
Last month, Grand Master Robert Saulters said 33 halls had been targeted since July and he called for an increase in security. Charley McAdam, Cavan County Grand Secretary and Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, at Drumartin Orange Hall, Cootehill

Mr Nelson said: "Last night was Halloween. Last year on the same night an Orange hall was attacked by having a tricolour painted on it. On Halloween the year before there was an attempt to bum another Orange hall in the same area of Co Cavan.

"Everything is pointing to a localised and orchestrated campaign in this part of Cavan."
Mr Nelson said there was no doubt the Drumartin hall would be rebuilt.

"We'll rebuild this hall, as we've rebuilt every one of the 208 halls that have been subject to arson attacks during the Troubles," he said.

"The forensic science teams are still investigating so we can't say 100 per cent that it is deliberate. But the initial signs would be that it is.

"As the lodge did not have insurance on the hall they are putting in a claim against the criminal injuries board in the Republic."

Mr Nelson said the Drumartin lodge members are "well involved in local affairs".

"Ebr instance, one of the events they had in the hall this year was a fundraising event for the Holy Family School for disabled children in Cootehill," he said.

He said members in the area were becoming more involved in civic life in the Republic and he had been contacted by Irish government officials expressing their sympathy and support for the lodge.

"This morning representatives from Fine Gael and Fine Pail were there as was a local priest to extend their sympathy and support," he said.

Anyone who wishes to help rebuild the hall should send funds to the Ulster Bank in Cootehill; Account number 50356008 and Sort code 985470. News Letter 2nd November 2007