The Orange Hall in Ballinamallard
AN ORANGE Hall in Ballinamallard has become the latest victim of a sectarian attack, with paint thrown over the front of the building sometime during the course of Thursday night, October 31.
The incident at Drumurry Hall is the sixteenth reported attack on Orange property in the North so far this year.
The Halloween attack has been widely condemned and local UUP MLA and Ballinamallard resident Tom Elliott said there was ‘great concern’ regarding the motives behind the attack.
In a statement, Mr Elliott said: “It’s my understanding that during the course of Halloween night, someone or a group of individuals decided to vandalise Drummurry Orange Hall by throwing paint over the front of the building.
“They not only defaced the front wall but also covered a carved stone set in the wall which displays King William III.
“There is great concern that the motive for the attack was purely sectarian and it must be utterly condemned.
“This incident will greatly anger many people, not only because the hall is a focal point for many local organisations and activities, but also because the act displays hatred and intolerance.
“Nobody wants that here. This is an area which is moving forward and which enjoys excellent community relations.
“We won’t allow sectarian acts like this to hold us back.”
Local UUP councillor Rosemary Barton also aired her concerns.
“The vandalising of Drummurry Orange Hall by daubing the walls and particularly the carved feature of King William III with paint, can only reinforce that this was a wanton act of vandalism with sectarian connotations that must be totally condemned.
“Ballinamallard is a town with a number of vibrant community groups that have excellent community relations, whom I believe will not allow this deliberate attack on the protestant culture prevent continued good relations.”
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has slammed those behind the latest ‘hate crime’ targeting property belonging to the Institution.
An Orange Order spokesman said: “This was a blatant sectarian attack and those responsible should be ashamed of their actions.
“By deliberately daubing paint on a carving of King William on the front of the hall, the true intent of the perpetrators was clear.
“Their abject failure to tolerate Protestant culture and heritage, and lack of understanding, was also exposed for all to see.
“This incident is not reflective of the renowned neighbourhood relations in the area and we are sure the entire community would unite in condemning the actions of those involved.”
A spokesman for the County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge told the Herald they were ‘shocked’ and ‘abhorred’ by the incident. They have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Police are investigating the reports of criminal damage that took place sometime between 2am and 8am on November 1 and have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward.Anyone with information should contact them at Enniskillen Police Station on 0845 600 8000.
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