Nationalists try to burn down Orange Hall in Portadown

Nationalists tried to burn down Corcain Orange Hall in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Three petrol bombs were thrown at the Orange hall, which has become a regular target for local republicans in the area. Combustible material was stuffed in under several of the protective wire grills and set on fire. The interior of the hall was undamaged but there was scorch damage to the outside of the hall. In the wake of the attack on Corcain Orange hall, David Jones has challenged the Parades Commission to clarify its position.

David said, "In its determinations against us being allowed to return to Carleton Street from Drumcree via Garvaghy road, the Parades Commission has said there had been 'anti-social behaviour' in and around Corcain Orange hall."

"The commission's view seemed to be that we were to blame. I would be interested to know what the commission's opinion is, given what happened on Sunday night when an attempt - yet another one - was made to burn the hall", said David.

Mr Jones said the incident showed "that certain people in the greater Garvaghy Road area clearly refuse ot accept that others of a different persuasion have any right to be there. Where is the so-called parity of esteem in that?" he asked.

A member of the Corcain lodge said "We have lost count of the number of attacks on our hall. The members are saddened, and totally fed up, but we will not desert our Orange hall, " he added.

Below are related links to attacks on Orange Halls

Ballycastle Orange Hall attacked by republicans in County Antrim

Nationalists set fire to Orange Hall at Bryansford

Orange Halls damaged in attacks

Parkmount Arch attacked

Arsonists target Orange Hall in Co Fermanagh

Orange Hall is burnt in fresh attack

Orange Hall destroyed in the Coastal town of Carnlough

Orange Hall at Ballyronan burnt by nationalists

Orange Hall to be rebuilt

Republicans try to burn down Orange Hall