04/05/2016

Orange Hall Attacked For Third Time In Less Than Three Months

An Orange Hall in Co Tyrone has been attacked for the third time in less than three months.

The attack at the Strawletterdallon Orange Hall near Newtownstewart is believed to have occurred during the early hours of Wednesday morning, 04 May.

Several windows were smashed and a spokesperson from the Orange Order condemned the attack.

He said: "Once again Strawletterdallon has been attacked by vandals who have nothing to offer society, only destruction and division. The stark similarity to previous attacks indicates that the minority rump responsible have reverted to type, by returning to engage in their shameful sectarian criminality.

"These intolerant bigots believe they are damaging the Orange Institution by destroying its property. However, they fail to realise their wicked deeds are actually an attack on community groups in and around the Newtownstewart area who avail of this hall as a social facility and meeting place."

Sinn Féin candidate Grace McDermott said: "The attack on Strawletterdallon Orange Hall must be condemned outright as it was purely sectarian. I am deeply disappointed that this hall is being subject to continuous attacks over the past few months and years and those who are carrying out the attacks need to be stopped.

"If the objective was to cause community division I am confident that this objective will fail. These attacks do not reflect the wishes of communities in any part of Tyrone.

"These attacks are no different than attacks on GAA halls, churches and other cultural and community facilities and must be rejected by everyone."

(CD)

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