176 replies to this topic

[Kilsally]

Orange hall destoyed in 'arson attack'
http://www.newslette...rson.6470806.jp
District Master for the Pomeroy District Bertie Kelso pictured outside the burnt hall

Published Date: 12 August 2010
AN Orange hall in Co Tyrone has been completely destroyed in an overnight fire.
Police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the blaze at the building in Pomeroy.

At approximately 3am on Thursday, emergency services were made aware of the fire on the Donaghmore Road which has resulted in substantial damage.

Bonn Orange hall is used by two local Orange lodges and a Royal Black Perceptory as well as a pipe band and a flute band.

It was previously extensively damaged in an arson attack in November 2008.

A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge said: "This is another serious attack on the Protestant and Orange culture and must be condemned by all right thinking people.

"We would appeal to everyone in the Orange Order and its supporters not to fall into the trap of allowing this to increase community tension.

"The only way to deal with this attack and continuing attacks on our halls is to work with the police in trying to catch the culprits."

A senior police officer claimed the attack was "an attempt to trigger an escalation of community tension in the area".

Supt Alywin Barton said: "Provoking a reaction, causing injury and damaging property is all that those behind these attacks have to offer – and that is in stark contrast to the positive contribution that cultural and sporting facilities make to community life, particularly in rural areas."

Local fire service commander Michael Flanagan told the BBC: "On arrival the building was well alight and we had four crews in attendance.

"We had a total of 16 men in two pumping appliances and two specialist appliances - one aerial appliance - to tackle the blaze.

"It's a two-storey Orange hall building and due to the intensity of the fire the building was substantially damaged."

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[Kilsally]

Vandal attacks on Orange Halls may be linked
Monday, 13 September 2010


The Orange Order has hit out at a graffiti attack on one of its halls

Attacks on two Orange Halls in Co Antrim at the weekend may be linked, police have said.

Both Rasharkin Orange Hall and the nearby Drumlee Orange Hall were targeted between 11pm on Saturday and 1.30pm yesterday.

It is believed Rasharkin Orange Hall, which has been attacked in the past, had slogans including ‘CIRA’ and ‘RIP’ daubed in black paint on the front of the building.



Read more: http://www.belfastte...S#ixzz0zgytxyQS
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Orange Order slams graffiti attack
Sunday, 12 September 2010

The Orange Order has condemned a graffiti attack on one of its halls.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said republican slogans were daubed on the Rasharkin Orange Hall a week after the building was targeted in a petrol bombing.

A spokesman appealed for political pressure to end such attacks.

"It seems that Rasharkin Orange Hall has been singled out for a series of attacks," he said.

"There are clearly people in the area who have absolutely no respect for the Orange Order.

"These are blatantly sectarian attacks and we would call on the police in the area to increase the security cover they provide for Orange Halls.

"It is staggering to think that people have attacked this Orange Hall on 23 different occasions in the past two years.

"Politicians need to put pressure on the police to ensure that these attacks are stamped out.

"People must not fall into the trap of retaliating in any way - it is up to the police to find the people responsible, with the help of the community, and deliver them to the courts."

Read more: http://www.belfastte...S#ixzz0zgtIJw8u

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[Kilsally]

Unionists hit out over 'sectarian' hall attacks
http://www.newslette...rian.6609027.jp
The scene at Inver Community Hall

Published Date: 02 November 2010
ULSTER Unionist leader Tom Elliott has claimed Protestants living in some areas of
Fermanagh are being subjected to sectarian
intimidation.
He was speaking after two halls used by the loyal orders were attacked overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Mr Ellott said it was lucky that one of the halls was not destroyed.

Tyres were placed at the kitchen door of Inver Community Hall - used by a local Orange lodge and a women's group - before being set alight, causing smoke damage to the building.

While in Rosslea, a screen was ripped off a vent leading into the kitchen of a Royal Black Preceptory (RBP) hall before an attempt was
made to break into the property.

"Both incidents were clearly attempts to damage these important community centres and highlight the ongoing intimidation unionists are facing in some areas from those who can't accept their presence," said Mr Elliott.

"It is extremely fortunate that Inver Hall was not destroyed and that Rosslea RBP hall wasn't pillaged and wrecked inside.

"Clearly, some republicans in the area feel they have a right to dominate their unionist neighbours.

"Many people will rightly be angered by what has happened but I know that the community, which has suffered a lot through the years will
again pull together and get through this.

"I trust the PSNI will do all they can to bring the culprits before the courts to face the full rigour of the law."

Ulster Unionist councillor Harold Andrews also slammed the attacks.

"Attacks such as these undermine community relations in the area and create tension which nobody wants," he said.

Police confrmed they are investigating two incidents of criminal damage at halls in Fermanagh and appealed to anyone who has information to contact them.

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[Kilsally]

Arson attack on Orange hall
http://www.newslette...hall.6658767.jp
The Kirkpatrick Memorial Hall, Beragh

Published Date: 13 December 2010
AN Orange hall in Beragh, Co Tyrone, was damaged in an arson attack over the weekend.
The Kirkpatrick Memorial Hall, which is home to both a local Orange lodge and a branch of the Apprentice Boys, was entered sometime over the weekend after window grills were removed and the front door forced.

Over 30 panes of glass were damaged in the attack on the Donaghanie Road premises as well as damage caused to other fittings.

Before leaving, the culprits set fire to curtains but only minor scorch damage was caused as the fire burnt itself out without spreading to other areas of the building.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has condemned an attack saying the hall has been targeted on several previous occasions.

A spokesman for Grand Lodge described it as a "blatant attack on our culture".

"This seems to have been a carefully planned attack and those responsible would have spent some time around the building," he said.

"Anyone who saw people acting suspiciously around the hall should let the police know as soon as possible.

"The way to deal with these attacks is by helping the police catch the culprits and then it is up to the courts to deal properly with the offenders."

The spokesman added: "An attack on an Orange hall is a blatant attack on our culture and must be taken seriously by everyone in the community and by the relevant authorities."

Police believe the premises were broken into sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning and are treating the incident as a hate crime.

DUP MLA Tom Buchanan called on Sinn Fein to do more than just condemn these attacks on Orange halls but also to ask people in the community to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

"It is an attack on the unionist culture and heritage and an attack on the entire community," said Mr Buchanan. "I think it is totally outrageous," said the MLA who added that there was a plethora of attacks on Orange halls in the area.

"Sinn Fein representatives in the area should not only come out and condemn these attacks, because words are one thing. They have got to ask their people to root out these people," said Mr Buchanan.
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[Kilsally]

Vandals have targeted two Co Tyrone Orange Halls in a spate of attacks over the weekend.
http://www.u.tv/News...06-03d7649655d0
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Strawletterdallon Hall in Newtownstewart was hit three times. Windows were broken on Friday evening, before a burning oil drum was pushed up against the rear door on Sunday morning. On Sunday evening, the Order said a third attempt to attack the hall was foiled.

Scorch damage was caused to the door and exterior wall.

Meanwhile Dergina Hall, between Aughnacloy and Ballygawley, had a number of windows broken and graffiti painted on the door in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"This hall is used very much by the community here," Ivan Duff, a member of Dergina Lodge, told UTV. "It's very disappointing when something like this happens and we are very sad about it."

A statement from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said a third hall, Mullnahunch, which is close to Dergina, also had graffiti sprayed on it over the weekend.

Grand Secretary Drew Nelson said the spate of attacks shows "a degree of organisation", and has pointed the finger at dissidents.

"It seems too much of a co-incidence that we have had three halls attacked in the county over the weekend," Mr Nelson said.

"We believe there is a degree of organisation behind these attacks that points towards republican paramilitary activity. This may be an attempt by republicans to stir up sectarian strife and we would appeal to everyone to keep calm."

The PSNI said they are investigating the incidents. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity has been asked to contact local detectives.
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West Tyrone TUV Condemn Hall Attacks
http://www.tuv.org.u...mn-hall-attacks
POSTED ON 16/01/11 AND TAGGED UNDER TERRORISM


Statement by the West Tyrone Branch of Traditional Unionist Voice:

“The latest spate of attacks on Orange Halls demonstrates something of the deep sectarian hatred which the Unionist minority within Co Tyrone has to endure.

“The fact that one hall could be attacked THREE times over the space of a single weekend also poses serious questions about the ability of the police to deter and capture those responsible.

“Orangemen in Tyrone were delighted to see one of their own, Edward Stevenson, elected to the position of Grand Master. One wonders if his declared intention to make the concerns of victims a key theme of his time as Grand Master was what so angered the thugs who carried out these sectarian attacks.”

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Video: Arrest made over Orange Hall attacks
http://www.u.tv/News...65-ae1b5491a174

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A 41-year-old man has been arrested for questioning after an Orange Hall in Newtownstewart was targeted over the weekend.


Windows of Strawletterdallon Orange Hall in the County Tyrone village were broken on Friday night.

On Sunday morning, an oil drum was placed against the rear door of the same hall and set alight, causing scorch damage to the door and to the exterior wall.

Later that evening, the Orange Order said a third attempt on the hall was foiled.

Elsewhere in the county, there were further attacks on Orange Halls.

Dergina Hall was attacked in Aughnacloy in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Windows were broken and paint was thrown in the incident which was reported at around 4.20am.

It is believed that the graffiti daubed at the nearby Mullnahunch Orange Hall in Cabra on Sunday may have happened as far back as Christmas.

The attacks come after the Orange Order elected a new Grand Master from the county in early January.

Edward Stevenson, a 55-year-old farmer from Co Tyrone, was formerly Deputy Grand Master of the institution.

[Kilsally]

Second Attack On Orange Hall Foiled
http://www.grandoran...orange_hall.htm
16 January 2011


The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has issued the following statement.

"This evening, Sunday, January 16, a second attempt to set fire to Strawletterdallon Orange Hall near Newtownstewart, in Co. Tyrone, was foiled.

"People were seen with a petrol container at the back of the Orange Hall and when challenged drove off. The incident is being investigated by the police.

Earlier in the day, around 9.00am, a passing motorist raised the alarm when he saw a burning tyre at the same building."

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Upsurge In Attacks On Orange Halls
http://www.grandoran...ls_attacked.htm
16 January 2011


The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has expressed alarm at the upsurge in attacks on Orange Halls in Co. Tyrone.

Three halls were attacked over the weekend .On Saturday morning, an attempt was made to break into Dergina Orange Hall near Ballygawley. Graffiti was daubed on the building. A few miles away, graffiti was painted on Mullnahunch Orange Hall.

This morning, Sunday, an attempt was made to set fire to Strawletterdallon Orange Hall on the Newtownstewart to Plumbridge Road.

Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary, of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said:
"A passing motorist saw smoke coming from the hall around 9.00am and raised the alarm. Without his quick thinking, the hall would probably have been burned to the ground.

"A tyre was placed at the emergency exit at the rear of the building and set on fire. Oil had been poured over the tyre to accelerate the fire. We are very fortunate the hall was not destroyed.

"This hall is used by all sections of the community, including dancing classes, a Young Farmers Club, a Faith Mission and a local community group. On Saturday night about 20 members of the local Junior Orange Lodge met in the building.

"Last week a number of windows in the hall were smashed.

"We are very concerned about the upsurge in attacks in Tyrone.

"It seems too much of a co-incidence that we have had three halls attacked in the county over the weekend. We believe there is a degree of organisation behind these attacks that points towards republican paramilitary activity.

"This may be an attempt by republicans to stir up sectarian strife and we would appeal to everyone to keep calm and report any knowledge they have to the police.

"We would also appeal to the police to devote more resources to the detection of those responsible for these attacks."

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Attack On Tyrone Orange Hall
http://www.grandoran...orange_hall.htm
16 January 2011


The Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Drew Nelson, has condemned an attack on an Orange Hall in Tyrone.

The attack was at Dergina Orange Hall near Ballygawley. Windows were smashed and republican graffiti daubed on the building. An unsuccessful attempt was made to gain entry to the building, using a sledgehammer.

The hall was built in 2009, to replace an old building, and was opened by the past Grand Master Robert Saulters. It is used by the local Orange lodge and Dergina Accordion Band which is celebrating its 50 anniversary this year.

Drew Nelson said:
"This is yet another attack on a rural Orange Hall. Local people heard cars in the area around 4am and then heard the sound of what was probably a sledgehammer being used in an attempt to break into the hall. Fortunately damage was confined to the outside of the building.
"This is a sectarian attack on the Protestant community and a way of life and we utterly condemn it.
"We would appeal to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area to contact the police."


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Grand Lodge Condemn Attack On Tyrone Orange Hall
http://www.grandoran...orange_hall.htm
13 December 2010


The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has condemned an attack on an Orange Hall in Beragh over the weekend.

Kirkpatrick Memorial Hall, on the Donaghanie Road, Beragh, is the home of Beragh LOL 796 and a local branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

Cages protecting windows on the hall, were ripped off and the windows were smashed. The front door of the hall was forced open and inside the building, curtains were set on fire and other fittings were smashed.

The fire burnt itself out.

The hall has been targeted on a number of previous occasions but the damage was relatively minor.

A spokesman for Grand Lodge said:
"This seems to have been a carefully planned attack and those responsible would have spent some time around the building.

"Anyone who saw people acting suspiciously around the hall should let the police know as soon as possible. The way to deal with these attacks by helping the police catch the culprits and then it is up to the courts to deal properly the offenders.

"An attack on an Orange Hall is a blatant attack on our culture and must be taken seriously by everyone in the community and by the relevant authorities."

[Kilsally]

Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:54
Ulster Unionists condemn Orange Hall attack
http://www.uup.org/i...nge-hall-attack

Ulster Unionist Party candidates for the Fews District Electoral Area David Taylor and Andy Moffett have condemned an overnight attack on Sheepbridge Orange Hall, Newry.

Commenting on the incident which saw the main gates of the Orange Hall rammed and a burnt out car abandoned at its entrance, Mr Taylor and Mr Moffett utterly condemned those responsible for the attack and stated that the individuals involved have nothing to offer to civic society.

The Ulster Unionist representatives said that an attack like this has no place in civilised society and only serves to raise public tension unnecessarily. They commented that the attack was extremely sinister and appealed to anyone within the local community who may have information on the incident to come forward to police immediately.

[Kilsally]

Attack On Newry Orange Hall

5 April 2011
http://grandorangelo...orange_hall.htm

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has condemned an attack on an Orange Hall near Newry.

A car was driven through the padlocked steel gates at Sheepbridge Orange Hall, near Newry, some time during the night of Monday, April 4.

The car was then set on fire and destroyed. There was no damage to the hall.

The hall is used by the local members of the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution, as well as a flute band and an Ulster-Scots heritage group.

A spokesman for Grand Lodge said:

"The gates to the hall were padlocked and chained. The driver of the car may well have rammed them a number of times before breaking through. The car was then set on fire, with the clear intention of damaging the hall.

"This is a quiet area but people living nearby may have heard or seen something. We would appeal for them to contact the police and help with their investigation."

[Kilsally]

Arson Attack On Ligoniel Orange Hall
13 April 2011

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has condemned an overnight arson attack on an Orange Hall in Belfast.

Ligoniel Orange Hall has been largely unused since a previous attack approximately five years ago. Most of the building was boarded up and the Orange Order are working with the police to establish the extent of the damage caused during the night.

Members of Orange Order used a small room at the rear of the building.

A spokesman for the Orange Order said:

"What is clear, is that this is another attack on the Orange culture. It may well be an attempt to create community tension and we would urge anyone with information about the attack to contact the police so they can catch the culprits."

[Kilsally]

seems to be a death threat to John Finlay of the DUP, Ballymoney

Orange hall vandalised again in attack
http://www.newslette...ttack_1_2768449


An Orange hall at Dunloy, County Antrim, has been sprayed with graffiti in a vandalism attack. Police said they were investigating an incident of criminal damage at the hall in the Station Road area. The attack happened some time between Friday night and Saturday morning. Police said they were treating the attack as being sectarian. The Orange Order has condemned the attack and urged its members to remain vigilant.

Published on Monday 13 June 2011 08:27

AN Orange hall subjected to numerous sectarian attacks over the past number of years was vandalised again at the weekend.

Dunloy Orange Hall in Co Antrim was daubed with graffiti at some point during Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.

Condemning the latest attack on the Station Road property, a spokesman for the Orange Order said the vandalism was part of an orchestrated attempt to create tensions in the area.

“This is yet another sectarian attack on Protestant and Orange culture and should be condemned by everyone in the community,” he said.

“It is clearly designed to create tension in the area but we would urge people not to fall into that trap.

“We would encourage our members to remain vigilant at this busy time of the year for the Orange Order and to look out for suspicious activity around our halls.”

DUP councillor John Finlay said such attacks have become a “regular occurrence” in the village, which stands in a largely republican area.

He called on anyone with information about the attack to pass it on to the PSNI.

Police have confirmed they are investigating an incident of criminal damage and have issued an appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

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Finlay Condemns Attack on Dunloy Orange Hall
http://www.johnfinlaydup.co.uk/

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has condemned a paint bomb attack on Dunloy Orange Hall.

Speaking today John Finlay said:

"I totally condemn this attack on Dunloy Orange Hall, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. Such attacks have become a regular occurrence in the Co. Antrim village which stands in a largely dominated Republican area.

I appeal to anyone with information to pass it onto the PSNI." the local DUP councillor said.

[Kilsally]

1 July 2011 Last updated at 16:47
Roslea Orange hall destroyed in arson attack
http://www.bbc.co.uk...reland-13988517

Inver Orange Hall was destroyed by fire
A fire which destroyed an Orange hall in County Fermanagh was arson, the police have confirmed.

The blaze at Inver Orange Hall in Roslea started in the early hours of Friday morning.

The alert was raised after a woman who lives nearby saw the flames at about 0600 BST.

It is thought the blaze started in a lean-to shelter housing an oil tank. The flames caught the roof and the building was engulfed.

The hall was attacked last October. A kitchen door was damaged and was due to be replaced on Friday.

Local people said they were determined to rebuild the hall after the latest attack.

PSNI Superintendent Simon Walls said it was an attack on everyone in the area who used the hall.

"We would ask that cool heads would prevail at this time and there would not be any escalation or tit-for-tat action," he said.

"Reprisals are not the way forward. They only result in raising tensions among communities, as well as depriving local people of facilities."

Ulster Unionist Harold Andrews said the hall would be missed. "It is going to be a serious loss for the Protestant community," he said.

"It is used by a wide range of Protestant people in the area. There is a very successful ladies' group with 24 or 25 members; also the Orange lodge, the local band and a few other organisations."

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Foster Condemns Roslea Arson Attack
http://www.facebook....187153234672475
by Democratic Unionist Party on Friday, 01 July 2011 at 09:31

DUP MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Arlene Foster has condemned an arson attack on Inver Orange Hall near Roslea in County Fermanagh. Mrs Foster said the attack which has destroyed the hall was a sectarian attack on an isolated rural community. She also pointed to the level of organisation which appeared to have gone into the attack.

Speaking today Mrs Foster said, ‘Inver Orange Hall is a community hall serving a small rural community in County Fermanagh. It would appear that the hall has been deliberately attacked and destroyed by people motivated by nothing other than sectarian hatred for their Protestant neighbours. County Fermanagh suffered from calculated and deliberate attempts to drive out the Protestant community through ethnic cleansing in the past and attacks such as this are the latest demonstration of that kind of intolerance.

It would appear that there was a high level of organisation behind this attack with a phone call made to the emergency services about an alleged incident in another area of the County. This was a deliberate attempt to draw those services away and allow those responsible to carry out the arson attack. I have spoken today to members of the Lodge who use the hall and will be visiting it later to show my support with a Protestant community in the area who are suffering these calculated attempts to intimidate them.

Attacks such as these are a throwback to our past and they are a reminder that there are a small minority of people who refuse to accept the shared future which the vast majority of people wish to see. I would hope that there will be condemnation of this attack from right across the community, but there must also be an acceptance that those who voice such strident opposition to the Orange Institution and to Orange parades help encourage those who then act in this criminal and sectarian manner.

I have no doubt that the community in Rosslea who use this hall will rally together and ensure that the hall is rebuilt and returned to serve the people of the area. I would hope that the investigations into this fire might provide some kind of evidence as to the individuals who carried out this hate crime. However, if there was anyone within the local area who may have witnessed anything suspicious then I hope that information will be provided to the Police so that the culprits may be brought to justice.’

[Kilsally]

video: Arson attempt at Lurgan Orange Hall
http://www.u.tv/News/Arson-attempt-at-Lurgan-Orange-Hall/f0f2ec9d-1e7c-4c6c-8846-3b8535888e61
An Orange Hall in Lurgan has been targeted in an attempted arson attack.




The premises in the Esky Road area of the Co Armagh town was damaged at around 3.30am on Sunday.

Scorch marks were found on the front door, where it is believed a canister of petrol was ignited.

Attempts were also made to smash several windows, police said.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area overnight has been asked to contact the PSNI.

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Hall is damaged in arson attack
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/hall_is_damaged_in_arson_attack_1_2830857

Published on Monday 4 July 2011 08:15

AN isolated Orange hall in Co Armagh has been targeted in an arson attack.

Scorch marks were caused to the front door of the Esky Road property, located between Lurgan and Portadown, after a suspected petrol canister was ignited during the early hours of yesterday morning.

There were also attempts made to smash several windows.

The hall, used by Muckery Heroes LOL 1685, was completely destroyed in an arson attack 14 years ago.

Two years ago, the property was also vandalised.

Lodge secretary David Abraham questioned the mentality of the perpetrators.

“We are a small family lodge – most of us are related to each other,” he said.

“I cannot understand the reasoning behind [the attack].”

Mr Abraham said given the rural location of the hall, those responsible would have had to go out of their way to reach their intended target.

“We cleaned around the hall last week and maybe the activity has sparked somebody off to do this,” he said.

“It is very annoying. We are trying to keep going and these people come round and try to destroy you.”

The arson attempt comes only days after a number of attacks on Orange property in the province.

Last week, Inver Orange Hall in Roslea, Co Fermanagh, was burned to the ground in a sectarian attack.

An Orange arch in Crumlin, Co Antrim, was also targeted.

An Orange Order spokesman said: “There are clearly people in the community who are determined to attack the Protestant and Orange culture.

“We would urge people not to respond in any way but to help the police find those responsible.”

Police have appealed for information.

[Kilsally]

Pre-Twelfth attacks on Orange Halls condemned
http://www.tyronecon...alls-condemned/
Thursday, 14 July 2011

THE pre-Twelfth spate of attacks on three Orange Halls in Tyrone and others in various parts of the province has been condemned as an "unwarranted attack on the Orange Order culture".
Strong condemnation has been vented following the attacks on the local halls, which has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, and which took place overnight on Thursday last.

Police in the Omagh area are appealing for information on attacks on two Orange Halls in the vicinity - the first being Augharonan Orange Hall, near Seskinore, in which a number of windows were broken and an accelerant was poured over the front door, but was not ignited.

Meanwhile, Cloughfin Orange Hall at Sixmilecross, where a 'Twelfth' parade took place yesterday, had a cement block thrown through the front door of the premises and windows broken during the vandalism attack there on the same night.

Furthermore, police in Cookstown are continuing their investigations following an incident of criminal damage in the Killymoon Road area in the early hours of Friday. Shortly after 5am, police discovered a fire burning close to Killymoon Orange Hall, which caused scorch damage to the metal railings at the hall.

Condemning what he described as an "unwarranted attack on the Orange Culture", Omagh town UUP councillor and West Tyrone MLA., Ross Hussey, said: "Someone or a party of people have attempted to see tensions were high in the run-up to the 12th parades. In relation to the attack on the Cloughfin Orange Hall in Sixmilecross, where the 'Twelfth' was held, those responsible were clearly trying to get a response.

“They are clearly the actions of a lunatic or a number of lunatics who are trying to inflame tensions among those those in the Orange Order," said the council vice-chairman, who called on the community to be 'vigilant'.
He said: "I would call on the community to be vigilant and not to react to such wanton acts of violence on their community and I would also urge the police to reprimand the person or people responsible for such an unwarranted attack on the Orange Order culture."

Also condemning the incidents, Omagh district councillor, Allan Rainey, said: "Augharonan is a quiet rural community and the people in that area, from both sides, would enjoy a very good working relationship and it would have been the last place I would have imagined being targeted.
“I join with the worshipful master and the brethren in the condemnation of such an attack."

‘Disheartening'
Meanwhile, Mid Tyrone councillor, Bert Wilson, called the vandalism attacks 'disheartening'.

He said: "It seems as if there was a determined attempt across Northern Ireland in general to vandalise Orange Halls coming up to the 12th parade. It is only very fortunate that whoever was responsible for the attack on the Orange Hall in Augharonan didn't manage to set it alight.

“It's very disheartening and annoying as these attacks are happening to brethren who aren't annoying anyone else and the Orange Order is entitled to have its rights respected as well."
Mr Wilson added the attacks come at an already vulnerable time for rural communities who have endured a recent deluge of rural crime.

“The cost for repairing all the damage will be extensive as well and such attacks are coming at a time when people living in rural areas, in particular, are having to keep an eye on their properties against such things as thefts and burglaries. Robberies in rural areas has also become a grave area of concern in recent months.

“This latest attack is very hurtful to members of the Orange Lodges who are working for the good of the community and a lot of money has been spent on bringing the halls up to standard in recent times," he said.

Anyone who has any information about any of the the incidents is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000. Callers who would prefer to provide information without giving their details can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

[Kilsally]

http://www.newslette...ation_1_2861955


Orange hall attacked hours after renovation
Worshipful master of Dunloy LOL 496 examines the damage to their hall, the hall was totally redecorated at the weekend, the damage was caused while the North Antrim 12th celebrations were underway in Ballycastle.Pic Steven McAuley/Kevin McAuley Photography Multimedia


Published on Thursday 14 July 2011 08:38



DUNLOY Orange Hall has again been defaced with sectarian graffiti, shortly after its recent renovation.



John Finlay, worshipful master of Dunloy LOL 496, reported that at around 6pm on July 12, Orangemen returned to the hall to find slogans on the newly-painted building. On Tuesday, the News Letter reported on the refurbished hall.

Mr Finlay, who is a DUP councillor, said that in addition to the July 12 discovery, further overnight vandalism was found at 7am yesterday.

He said: “I am absolutely appalled that in less than 24 hours after members of the Orange lodge had finished painting the hall it was attacked again with sectarian slogans.

“We went away on the Twelfth to the march to Ballycastle, and when we left the hall was perfect. When we came back at 6pm, there were IRA statements daubed on the hall.

“It said ‘Brits out’, ‘up the IRA’, ‘Get out’ and ‘Up the RA’. It’s absolutely outrageous to have this kind of sectarian abuse.”

The hall has been plagued by sectarian attacks in the past.

There have been a number of attempts to torch it and almost the entire building was at one time daubed with sectarian slogans. The Orangemen recently repainted the building in what they said was a gesture of goodwill to reduce tensions in the community.

Police are probing the incident and have appealed for information.

[Kilsally]

21 November 2011 Last updated at 14:05
Londonderry Memorial Hall paint attackers 'cowards'
http://www.bbc.co.uk...reland-15822924
The last attack on the Memorial Hall was less than two weeks ago.

Hall paint bombers 'intolerant'
The Apprentice Boys' Memorial Hall in Londonderry has been attacked with paint for the second weekend in a row.

The police said a mobile patrol noticed paint had been thrown on the building Magazine Street on Saturday night.

It was also attacked with paint on 11 November.

The Governor of the Apprentice Boys, Jim Brownlee, said those behind the attack were "cowards who skulk in the dark and hide their faces".

"Why don't these people come and tell us what their problem is?

"They haven't got the courage to come along and tell us what's in their minds.

"This is purely sectarian.

"There has to be something positive put into their heads, because there's nothing there at the moment, it's purely negative."

[Kilsally]

Attack on Orange hall sparks Twelfth fears
http://www.newslette...fears_1_3445920

Pacemaker Press Belfast 22-01-2012: A County Tyrone Orange Hall has been damaged and daubed with sectarian graffiti. The Ballymacall Lodge Hall between Pomeroy and Dungannon was attacked some time between Thursday night and Saturday morning. Local rep Franklin Kelly pictured outside the hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison

Published on Monday 23 January 2012 08:34

AN attack on an Orange hall in Co Tyrone at the weekend could be an attempt to stir up sectarian tensions ahead of this year’s Twelfth celebrations, it has been claimed.

The building, which is between Pomeroy and Donaghmore, sustained significant republican graffiti, while guttering and security lights were also damaged.

It is believed that the attack happened some time between Thursday night and Saturday morning.

Speaking to the News Letter yesterday, Franklin Kelly, of the Pomeroy District of the Orange Lodge, said he feared the attack on Ballymacall Hall could be the start of another campaign of intimidation.

“There is a bit of worry that the hall was attacked because the Twelfth is going to be held in Pomeroy this year,” said Mr Kelly.

“I think the boys that did this are probably just young thugs from a republican background but they could be trying to stir up a bit of trouble before the parades.

“A lot of the graffiti is directed at the police and support for the Provos. They must have used the downpipe to destroy the security lights.

“We’re just glad they didn’t get into the hall.

“I think it could have been a lot worse, but it is still very upsetting for anyone to attack us like this.”

The hall, which was opened in 1985, has been subjected to a series of attacks in recent years, most notably an arson attack in 2005, which caused extensive smoke damage.

A spokesman for the Grand Lodge of Ireland echoed the fears expressed by Mr Kelly.

“Fortunately damage was relatively minor on this occasion, but it is particularly worrying as the Twelfth is being held in Pomeroy this year,” he said.

“We know there are people who do not want any Orange presence in the area and we would ask local community leaders to condemn this attack without reservation.”

Police say they are investigating the attack and have appealed for information.

In 2010, the Bonn Orange Hall, which is also in the Pomeroy area, was completely destroyed in an arson attack

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County Tyrone Orange Hall daubed with republican graffiti
http://www.bbc.co.uk...reland-16670949
bbc.co.ukJanuary 22nd, 2012view original

The Orange Hall is between Pomeroy and Dungannon
A County Tyrone Orange Hall has been damaged and daubed with sectarian graffiti.

The Ballymacall Lodge Hall between Pomeroy and Dungannon was attacked some time between Thursday night and Saturday morning.

Security lights and drain pipes were damaged and the republican graffiti was painted on the hall.

The hall has been damaged twice before in arson attacks and it is the second time it has been vandalised.

The Orange Order are concerned that it is an attempted to raise tensions in the area ahead of the parades season.

A Grand Lodge spokesman said: "Fortunately, damage was relatively minor on this occasion, but it is particularly worrying as the Twelfth is being held in Pomeroy this year.

"We know there are people who do not want any Orange presence in the area and we would ask local community leaders to condemn this attack without reservation."

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

[Kilsally]

Orange hall damaged in arson attack
http://www.newslette...ttack-1-3639836

Published on Sunday 18 March 2012 10:53

POLICE are appealing for information following an incident of arson at an Orange hall in Co Tyrone.

It is believed the fire was started deliberately inside the property on the Garvallagh Road, Seskinore between 7pm on Thursday, March 15 and 10am on Friday, March 16.

Entry is believed to have been gained through a window.

Band equipment in the hall was also damaged in the attack.

Inquiries are continuing.

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Augharonan Pipe Band Drums wrecked in arson attack before cross community St Patricks parade in Republic
http://www.newslette...ttack-1-3640891
Drums which had been set alight burning holes in the hall floor.

Published on Monday 19 March 2012 10:29

A TYRONE pipe band was forced to borrow drums to attend St Patrick’s Day parades in the Republic at the weekend after a number of their instruments were destroyed in an arson attack.

Drums belonging to Augharonan Pipe Band – valued at £8,000 – were damaged in the deliberate blaze at an Orange hall near Seskinore.

The rural property was targeted last Thursday night but police only revealed details at the weekend.

It is understood that the perpetrators gained entry to the building through a window, before starting the fire.

As well as the damage to up to a dozen drums, the main hall also sustained scorch and smoke damage.

Pipe major Jim McElrath said despite members’ “devastation” at the loss of their percussion instruments, the band was determined to proceed with its St Patrick’s Day itinerary.

The band – a regular participant at cross-community events – has attended the annual parades in Sligo and Ballymote for the past decade.

“We salvaged a couple of pieces out of the drum kit,” he told the News Letter.

“We managed to drum on them yesterday (Saturday) and we borrowed some from another band to help us out.”

Hitting out the perpetrators, Mr McElrath said: “We have come through 40 years of IRA bombing and shooting and we had negligible damage to the hall. But there is a more sinister element now and we never had problems until the last couple of years.”

However, Mr McElrath said the band and lodge have been heartened by messages of support from across the community divide since the incident.

“It makes us more determined to go on. A lady rang me today from the other side of the community who read the news on Teletext and she was absolutely devastated.”

Despite their misfortune, Augharonan won a prize for their participation on Saturday.

Gordon Crawford, a member of Augharonan LOL 462, admitted the hall could have been razed to the ground had the fire not extinguished itself. “It was a blessing,” he said. “They obviously intended to burn it to a cinder.”

Mr Crawford also revealed that the hall was targeted last year. In July, windows were broken at the property prior to the Twelfth.

A spokesman for the Orange Grand Lodge also condemned those behind the attack.

The Seskinore blaze came only days after a separate incident at Benraw Orange Hall, near Castlewellan. Last weekend, the hall sustained minor damage after a petrol bomb was thrown at the building.

DUP MLA Tom Buchanan also slammed the latest Orange attack. “An attack such as this is not only an attack motivated by sectarian hatred but it is also an attack on a community facility in a rural area,” he said.

“It is very disappointing that there are a still a small number of people who cannot live in peace with their neighbours and that they have marked the St Patrick’s weekend with an attack on the minority Protestant community in west Tyrone.”

A PSNI spokesman urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police in Omagh on 0845 600 8000.