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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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