|
County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge is deeply saddened to
hear the news that Inver Orange Hall has been destroyed in
a well organised attack.
The roof of the hall has collapsed and in turn the ceiling
and the contents of the building have been totally destroyed
from a blaze that started in a lean-to shelter housing an
oil tank. The flames caught the roof and the building was
engulfed.
We believe that a diversionary call was made to the emergency
services around 4am Friday morning; this gave the perpetrators
enough time to make sure the hall was well burned before the
emergency services arrived.
The reason for the attack is undoubtedly sectarian, aiming
to stir up local tensions in this community.
The hall itself is used by various organisations including
the Orange Order, a ladies group with around 25 members and
a band that meets regularly and draws in members from both
sides of the border. There is absolutely no doubt that the
use of the hall will be a great loss to all who used it.
On this the 95th Anniversary of the first day of the Battle
of the Somme, we should be reflecting on those who gave their
lives for our freedom, we should not be waking up to the news
that one of our Orange Halls has been destroyed in a cowardly
and unprovoked attack.
The local lodges and others in the community are determined
to rebuild the hall, and they shall receive every support
from County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge.
|
