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10/11/2008
Condemnations Follow GAA Club Attacks
The Orange Order has condemned weekend arson attacks on Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubrooms.
A statement from the top loyal order today said: "We condemn all attacks on halls in our community without reservation, and we appeal for no retaliation."
Appealing for no 'tit-for-tat' attacks the statement continued: "Retaliation is always a trap and the people who are burning our Orange Halls will be the ones who will be most pleased if misguided people from the Protestant community retaliate."
The hard-hitting comments came on foot of the second of two fires, this time at GAA premises in Cookstown, which is being treated as suspicious by police.
The fire at the building on Convent Road in the town was the second suspected attack over the weekend on GAA premises in the county.
Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gregory Campbell also condemned the incidents "unequivocally and without reservation".
"If the morons who seem to have a resentment and bitterness in them against either Orange halls or GAA halls see the consequence of their attacks mean there will be bigger and better premises built instead, maybe that will have an impact," he said.
"There will be a response by the community and those who attack the hall for whatever mischievous reason will see that it has backfired - maybe that will have an impact because there is no point in attacks that rebound on each community as a result of the previous one."
Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said it was "very upsetting to see these GAA clubs vandalised and burned in this way".
However, he welcomed the Orange Order's intervention: "It's helpful that the Orange Order has spoken in such clear terms about attacks on GAA halls."
Mr McElduff also said he condemned attacks on Orange halls, adding: "I would call on anyone engaged in such activities to desist."
On Saturday morning a blaze was discovered at St Malachy's GAA club in Edendork. Police are also treating that fire as suspicious.
The blaze at St Malachy's destroyed the roof, and the building was later declared unsafe.
Meanwhile, patient files have been damaged in a fire at a Co Down doctor's surgery.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening at the premises on Pound Lane in Downpatrick. Forensic teams are examining the scene.
As many as 6,000 files may have been badly burned, smoke or water damaged.
(BMcC)
A statement from the top loyal order today said: "We condemn all attacks on halls in our community without reservation, and we appeal for no retaliation."
Appealing for no 'tit-for-tat' attacks the statement continued: "Retaliation is always a trap and the people who are burning our Orange Halls will be the ones who will be most pleased if misguided people from the Protestant community retaliate."
The hard-hitting comments came on foot of the second of two fires, this time at GAA premises in Cookstown, which is being treated as suspicious by police.
The fire at the building on Convent Road in the town was the second suspected attack over the weekend on GAA premises in the county.
Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gregory Campbell also condemned the incidents "unequivocally and without reservation".
"If the morons who seem to have a resentment and bitterness in them against either Orange halls or GAA halls see the consequence of their attacks mean there will be bigger and better premises built instead, maybe that will have an impact," he said.
"There will be a response by the community and those who attack the hall for whatever mischievous reason will see that it has backfired - maybe that will have an impact because there is no point in attacks that rebound on each community as a result of the previous one."
Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said it was "very upsetting to see these GAA clubs vandalised and burned in this way".
However, he welcomed the Orange Order's intervention: "It's helpful that the Orange Order has spoken in such clear terms about attacks on GAA halls."
Mr McElduff also said he condemned attacks on Orange halls, adding: "I would call on anyone engaged in such activities to desist."
On Saturday morning a blaze was discovered at St Malachy's GAA club in Edendork. Police are also treating that fire as suspicious.
The blaze at St Malachy's destroyed the roof, and the building was later declared unsafe.
Meanwhile, patient files have been damaged in a fire at a Co Down doctor's surgery.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening at the premises on Pound Lane in Downpatrick. Forensic teams are examining the scene.
As many as 6,000 files may have been badly burned, smoke or water damaged.
(BMcC)
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20 May 2008
Halls' Attacks Condemned
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18 December 2007
Protest Highlights Attacks On Orange Halls
The leader of the Orange Order has accused the police and the government of failing in their duty to protect the institution's property from attacks.
Protest Highlights Attacks On Orange Halls
The leader of the Orange Order has accused the police and the government of failing in their duty to protect the institution's property from attacks.
18 July 2007
Attacks on Orange halls investigated
Police are examining what they believe are three possibly linked attacks on Orange halls in County Londonderry. The three halls, at Drumollish outside Maghera, Tamlaght near Portglenone and Killygullib near Kilrea, all had slogans painted on walls, and two had windows damaged and flags removed.
Attacks on Orange halls investigated
Police are examining what they believe are three possibly linked attacks on Orange halls in County Londonderry. The three halls, at Drumollish outside Maghera, Tamlaght near Portglenone and Killygullib near Kilrea, all had slogans painted on walls, and two had windows damaged and flags removed.
24 July 2017
Two Orange Halls Attacked
Two Orange Halls have been attacked over the weekend. A number of paint bombs were thrown at Rosedernott Orange hall, outside Cloughmills, during the early hours of Sunday, 23 July. A Union flag was also removed, and a flag pole damaged, from inside the grounds of Roden Orange hall in Kilkeel.
Two Orange Halls Attacked
Two Orange Halls have been attacked over the weekend. A number of paint bombs were thrown at Rosedernott Orange hall, outside Cloughmills, during the early hours of Sunday, 23 July. A Union flag was also removed, and a flag pole damaged, from inside the grounds of Roden Orange hall in Kilkeel.
27 July 2009
Goggins To Discuss 'Under Attack' Halls
A DUP delegation will meet with the direct rule security minister later today to discuss a spate of recent sectarian attacks on Orange Halls. Paul Goggins is expected to hear about particular acts of vandalism in Rasharkin and Dunloy, both of which are in the north Co Antrim area.
Goggins To Discuss 'Under Attack' Halls
A DUP delegation will meet with the direct rule security minister later today to discuss a spate of recent sectarian attacks on Orange Halls. Paul Goggins is expected to hear about particular acts of vandalism in Rasharkin and Dunloy, both of which are in the north Co Antrim area.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
