Republicans attack and burn Orange
Order Heirlooms in sectarian attack
Two banners costing thousands of pounds and nine drums
have been destroyed by republicans as they attack a Co
Armagh Orange Hall.
Sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning,
republicans removed tiles and forced their way into the
loft of Mullintur Orange hall.
They then proceeded to smash the drums onto the floor
of the hall. The two banners were then taken outside the
isolated hall, which is situated on the Maydown Road between
Killylea and Benburb, and burned.
District Master Wesley Livingstone, who spent much of
yesterday tidying up the wreckage, said members of Mullintur
LOL150 were "both angry and disappointed".
"We're a quiet rural lodge and enjoy good relations
with our neighbours, however, it seems that there's always
a small element intent on doing things like this,"
he said.
"Another hall in the district - Ballyrea - was completely
destroyed in an arson attack about 18 months ago, but
has since been rebuilt bigger and better."
DUP councillor William Irwin, who visited the scene yesterday,
said: "I completely condemn this attack. It is obvious
that those who carried it out are intent on stirring up
tensions within the community.
Mullintur LOL No 150 has granted the use of the hall
to the local people, who are presently using it to facilitate
a computer-training course. This attack will disrupt their
classes.
"I have had the opportunity to survey the damage
and I was saddened to see that historical items, which
included the lodge's own banner, have been completely
destroyed. This attack will also have repercussions for
the local band, as their drums have been destroyed."
MLA Paul Berry MLA said the attack was both sinister
and sectarian and "undoubtedly another attempt by
republicans to destroy our Protestant heritage".
It was proof that "republicans haven't finished their
campaign of bitterness and hatred against our community".
SDLP Mayor of Armagh John Campbell joined Councillor
Irwin in his condemnation of the attack.
"This was an attack of wanton vandalism. No community
should have to face an attack like this," he said.
"The actions of the thugs responsible are not reflective
of the views of the wider community in this area. I hope
this is an isolated incident and I would urge people to
be respectful of other people's beliefs, culture and property."
Click on the related links below
Concern over attack on Orange Hall
