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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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