Orange Chronicle Forums

this is the lodge that is not allowed to march 100 yards from the dunloy orange hall to the dunloy presbyterian church as dunloy is a `catholic area / republican area` in the name of `equality and human rights` of the residents............

Petrol bomb attack on Orange hall
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Petrol … 5457153.jp

John Finlay pictured outside Dunloy Orange hall following an earlier sectarian attack

Published Date: 14 July 2009
AN Orange hall in Dunloy has suffered its third sectarian attack within a week.
The Co Antrim facility suffered scorch damage following a petrol bomb attack during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Graffiti was also daubed on a wall.

The hall was subjected to a paint bomb attack and other sectarian graffiti last week.

Ballymoney Councillor and Worshipful Master of Dunloy LOL 496, John Finlay, described the latest incident as "a blatant act of sectarianism and intimidation of Protestants".

"Republicans have launched war on the local Protestant population," he said.

"The people that did this are 'sick' and vermin existing in our society. They need to be hunted down and brought before the courts."

Mr Finlay hoped police would take the "third warning" seriously and expressed fears that the hall could be destroyed if attacked again.

North Antrim MLA Declan O'Loan condemned the perpetrators of the incident which came in the aftermath of the annual Twelfth celebrations.

"Attacks such as this one are a clear setback for the whole community, and of course that is precisely the intention of those who carry them out," the SDLP man said.

"But the number of people who actually want a return to constant division is tiny, and the wider community which clearly wants and votes for a shared future must assert itself more strongly.

"We must also insist that those who control our devolved political institutions produce their long promised road map to a shared future without further delay. All the good work of 50 weeks of the year cannot continue to be set at nought again in two weeks of mindless attacks in the marching season."

Orangemen in Republic shocked by graffiti
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Orange … 5460042.jp


Sectarian slogans in the village of Ballintra

Published Date:
15 July 2009
By Michael McGlade

ORANGEMEN and supporters travelling to the Rossnowlagh parade in Donegal at the weekend, were shocked by sectarian slogans in a small border village in the Republic.
The words "No Marching", "Brits out" and "**** off orangemen" were painted across the breadth of the street in Ballintra, through which many of the parade supporters passed.

Kerbs were painted green, white and gold, with tricolour flags flying from several poles in the village, which held a small parade prior to the main event in Rossnowlagh on Saturday.

An Irish flag was also painted on the Orange Hall in the village while most of the graffiti centred around the local Methodist Church.
One man who spoke to the News Letter described the graffiti as worse than anything he had seen in Northern Ireland.

The man who did not wish to be named said: "There was graffiti painted from the top to the bottom of the road.

"I have seen bad graffiti in Northern Ireland, but that takes the cake. It is a mixed area, and I have no doubt that it will bring ill-feeling."
Grand Master of the Donegal Branch of the Orange Order, David Mahon said he had received calls of support from across the local community in Donegal:

"I have had many calls from all sections of the community. Many of them wished to dissociate themselves from what was written, while others gave their support to the Order", said Mr Mahon.

The Grand Master, who himself hails from Ballintra, labelled the graffiti as an 'attack on Protestantism'.
"Ballintra is a mixed village, and we have never had any real bother in the village before. There may have been the odd slogan written, but nothing on this scale.

"This is an attack on Protestantism, plain and simply. I firmly believe that those responsible for this represent a very small percentage of the people.

"We had a great Twelfth in Rossnowlagh this year, and I am sure that this small minority who did this will not have any impact on our future celebrations here in Donegal."

He added: "What these people do not realise is the damage that they are doing to their own community, and I know the people of Ballintra are totally against this."

Sinn Féin representative Jim McLaughlin condemned the incident unreservedly. "This vandalism in Ballintra is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. The defacing of the area around the church, a place of worship, is a disgrace", he said.

Orange hall targeted in arson attack
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Orange … 5508482.jp

The porch at Kilmore Orange hall which was damaged in an arson attack

Published Date: 30 July 2009
A CO Armagh Orange hall has been damaged in an arson attack.
Kilmore Orange hall outside Lurgan suffered extensive smoke damage in the blaze.

A police spokesman said the CCTV cameras at the premises were disabled at the premises before roof tiles were removed and flammable liquid poured into the building.

The hall's porch took the full impact of the fire, although the main body of the building is believed to have escaped relatively unscathed.

The facility is used by a local Orange lodge and the Royal Black Preceptory. It is also used by a local band, a youth club and community groups.

A total of 14 Orange halls have been targeted by arsonists so far this year.

A spokesperson for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland condemned the latest incident.

"This is yet another attack on Protestant culture and our way of life. We call upon anyone with the slightest piece of information to contact the police and help them find the culprits," he said.

"Someone must know who is carrying out these attacks on our premises across Northern Ireland. They have a moral responsibility to pass on that information to the police."

The spokesman warned against any form of retaliation following the Lurgan fire.

Police are appealing for information.

Orange hall defaced and damaged in attack
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ … 55521.html
Monday, 17 August 2009



The PSNI has appealed for information after an Orange hall was damaged in Bellaghy.

Dissident republican graffiti was daubed on the building on the Ballynease Road and drainpipes were damaged. Mid-Ulster DUP MLA Ian McCrea described the attack as “blatant bigotry”.

“People who attack Orange halls are not just attacking a property but displaying their hatred for Protestants,” Mr McCrea said.

“It is deeply worrying that there is so much bitterness towards Protestants and their culture in so many parts of Northern Ireland.

“Last Saturday, as families |attending the Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry came home their cars were attacked, in Rasharkin Protestant families are being systematically targeted and throughout Northern Ireland Loyal Order properties are being attacked on a weekly basis.

“It is outrageous that against this backdrop the police is downsizing its physical resources in the Mid-Ulster area.”

The Bellaghy incident was reported to the police shortly after 11.30am yesterday.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area or has any information is asked to contact the police on 0845 6008000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ … z0OTh24wxB

Orange hall is damaged in attack
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8204152.stm

Police back

An Orange hall in Bellaghy, County Londonderry, has been damaged in an overnight attack.

Graffiti was daubed on the building and drainpipes were damaged in the incident on the Ballynease Road which was reported at about 1130 BST on Sunday.

DUP MLA for Mid-Ulster Ian McCrea condemned the attack and said those responsible were "displaying their deep hatred for Protestants".

He said it was motivated by "nothing other than blatant bigotry".

Ulster Unionist MLA Billy Armstrong also condemned the attack.

He said: "Once again it would appear that sectarian thugs are on the loose in Mid-Ulster seeking to attack Orange Halls, display their own brand of bigotry and intolerance and seek to provoke a retaliatory response from some within the Protestant community."

In an attack at an Orange hall in Rasharkin on Friday night, scorch damage was caused after a fire was started in front of the building.

An Ancient Order of Hibernians hall in Ballymoney was also damaged at Rosnashane Road when graffiti was daubed on it.

Orange hall 'damaged by tractor'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8264426.stm
15:09 GMT, Saturday, 19 September 2009

It is believed a tractor was used in an overnight attack on an Orange hall in County Antrim.

A large boundary wall has been knocked over at Granagh Independent Orange Hall in Rasharkin.

The front door of the building on Mullan Road was also damaged in the incident.

Local DUP councillor John Finlay said the attack was carried out by "sick individuals" in an attempt "to stir sectarian tensions" in the area.

He said: "The use of a large mechanical device demonstrates their desire to knock the hall down.

"This sends out a very negative message to Protestants in the area."

Police say there was a larger than usual number of people in the area during the early hours of Saturday and have appealed for information.

There have been a number of sectarian attacks on property belonging to both the Orange Order and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the area in recent months.

Fury as tractor used in attacks on Orange halls
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Fury-a … 5664128.jp

Councillor John Finlay at Granagh Orange hall

Published Date: 21 September 2009
UNIONISTS have hit out after two Orange halls in north Antrim were attacked at the weekend.
In a third attack, six bottles of paint smashed against the front wall of Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast in the early hours of Sunday.

Granagh Independent Orange Hall on the Mullin Road in Rasharkin was the first to be attacked sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.

A tractor was used to knock down a wall outside the hall, and the building's door was damaged.

Later, Tullaghans Independent Orange Hall on the Bravallen Road in Ballymoney was attacked on Saturday evening around 5.10pm.

It is believed a tractor was used to force open a door. Tables, chairs and drums were destroyed as well as several Union Flags set on fire.
A spokesman for the Orange Order said it was "extremely concerned" about the attacks.

TUV leader Jim Allister said the actions of those responsible are "a very public manifestation of cultural hatred" from local residents.

"The quantity and nature of the serial attacks on Orange halls around Rasharkin are such that they could not be taking place without local community support," he said.

"Using a tractor to knock down the wall and trying to break down the door is not a random or inconspicuous act.

"Rather, it is a very public manifestation of cultural hatred from which local residents do not apparently dissent as none are exercised to report such to the police."

Ballymoney DUP councillor John Finlay described the attacks as "blatantly sectarian" and an "attempt to stir tensions in the area".

"Orange halls in the Rasharkin and Dunloy area have been under increased attack this year as local republicans seek to heighten anxieties," he said.

"I call for leadership to be offered by the local republican community, particularly Sinn Fein. These events have been happening under their watch and if they are truly committed to a 'shared future' then they would offer leadership and maturity in preventing attacks and reducing tensions."

Police have said they are treating the attacks as sectarian and investigating the possibility that a tractor was used.

A spokeswoman said there was a larger than normal number of people in the area at the times of the two attacks and appealed for anyone who may have witnessed large vehicles and suspicious behaviour to contact officers.
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Thugs torch Orange Hall after walk row
http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepag … k-row.html
By IRINA NELSON
Crime Reporter

Published: 21 Oct 2009
rigTeaserImage
AN Orange Hall at the centre of a row over a local walk has been firebombed.

Thugs attacked the venue in Dumbarton only days before a flute band based there stages another march through the town.

Scorch marks could be seen yesterday on the outside door and walls of the building. In August, West Dunbartonshire Council refused to allow an Orange Walk to finish there.

But a sheriff overturned the ban and the march went ahead - ending with 11 arrests and a £107,000 policing bill.

This Saturday around 160 people are due to take part in a parade to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Pride of the Rock Flute Band, which practises at Bankend Orange Hall.

Last night Robert McLean, of the Grand Orange Lodge, tried to play down the attack.

He said: "As far as we are aware it's an isolated incident and is being dealt with by the police."

But local councillor David McBride said: "I'm really concerned to hear about this. It is terrible news. Tensions within the town are very much heightened by this.

"I am also very concerned about police intelligence that there will be protests at this weekend's march."

Insp Ian Wallace, of Dumbarton police office, who is investigating the attack, said: "Fortunately nobody was injured by this reckless act."

Orange hall attacks 'must end'
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Orange … 5957874.jp
Windows were broken at Ballintoy Orange hall

Published Date: 06 January 2010
A SPATE of attacks on Orange halls in County Antrim shows the "menace of segregation" is still alive in Ulster, it has been claimed.
Over the Christmas period, an Orange hall in Rasharkin was daubed with graffiti stating "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year to all".

In Ballintoy, vandals broke 10 windows and damaged roof slates during an attack on an Orange hall on Whitepark Road.

Alliance MLA for East Antrim Sean Neeson said the attacks showed the type of problems that can come from having a divided society.

Mr Neeson said: "These disturbing attacks on all community facilities, whether they're GAA buildings or Orange halls, must end for good.

"The fact that our society is divided plays a massive role in heightening prejudice. Segregation is the single biggest factor which leads to sickening behaviour of this nature.

"If our children are educated together and families from all backgrounds live side by side we can cut the cancer of hate out of our society forever."

He added: "To end division we need more shared and integrated education, and we also need shared housing developments. Segregation costs Northern Ireland £1 billion every year. There can be absolutely no excuse for the Stormont Executive to fail to make tackling division one of their top priorities."

Sectarian attacks on Orange halls
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Sectar … 6012641.jp
Published Date: 26 January 2010

CONDEMNATION has followed separate sectarian attacks on two Co Antrim Orange halls.
Paint was thrown at the front of a hall in Rasharkin. The damage was discovered on Monday morning.

Sectarian graffiti was also daubed on an Orange hall in Dunloy. Police discovered the damage as they checked on other buildings following the Rasharkin attack.

DUP councillor John Finlay said the Government had to do something.

He said: "I condemn this latest attack on Drumcon Orange Hall and call upon the Northern Ireland Office to intervene as these attacks have been a regular event across the north Antrim area.

"Damage to halls costs the local Protestant community a considerable amount of money in repairing any damage done to property. It also exacerbates fear and tension in the local community which is not helpful to community relations.

"I have raised this issue with my party colleagues, including the First Minister Peter Robinson, and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the past and I will continue to pursue this issue until such attacks stop.

"We need leadership from the republican community who are willing to stand idly by whilst these attacks happen only for them to jump out in protest when a Catholic home, hall or church is attacked.

"I condemn any attack on anyone, Protestant or Catholic, but the longer these attacks go on the more tension builds up."

The Orange Order has asked anyone with information about the attacks to contact the police.

The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating both incidents, which are being treated as sectarian attacks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Ballymoney.

Footprints may help track Orange hall vandals
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Footpr … 6112877.jp
Published Date: 01 March 2010
By michael.mcglade@jpress.co.uk

FOOTPRINTS left in the snow, may provide vital clues in the investigation into a weekend attack on an Orange Hall, it has been claimed.
South Down DUP assembly member Jim Wells said precautions taken after previous attacks on the Annahinchigo Orange Hall in Co Down, had prevented further damage.

The isolated hall was targeted just hours after lodge members and their partners enjoyed a celebratory meal, when a steel flag pole was broken down and used to damage wire grills protecting the windows in the building, exterior lights and downpipes were smashed and an electricity meter was also destroyed.

"I condemn without reservation the attack on Annahinchigo Orange Hall. There is absolutely no doubt that this was a deliberate attempt to completely destroy this important community facility," said Mr Wells.

"A considerable amount of damage has been done to the hall... precautions taken after previous attacks prevented more damage being done and the structure of the hall remains intact.

"I am confident that the members of the Annahinchigo Lodge will quickly repair the damage and the building will remain an important facility for the local community," he added.

Mr Wells said he hoped the "large number of footprints" may help the PSNI it their "search for the culprits".

This was the latest in a long list of attacks on the Orange hall, which was badly damaged by arsonists in 1995.

A spokesman for the Orange Order said the footprints indicated there were about three or four people involved in the arson bid.

"This was clearly a planned attack by a number of people who would have been around the hall for five or 10 minutes," the spokesman said.

It has also been reported by locals that damage was also caused at the weekend to nearby Grallagh Unionist Flute Band Hall, at Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland.

Sectarian attack on County Antrim Orange Hall
http://www.u.tv/News/Sectarian-attack-o … c3472f2834

An Orange Hall in County Antrim as been damaged in an overnight sectarian attack.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Paint was thrown at the hall in Rasharkin and slogans daubed on the walls.

The hall has been the victim of sectarian attacks numerous times in the past.

"Local people will be out watching the parades and it is unfortunate that this incident has take place."

"Nobody wants these actions to take place and in no way do they reflect on the people of the village, "said Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay.
Article Continues

"I want again to call on these people who are carrying out these graffiti attacks on the hall to stop," he said.

Anger over attack on Orange hall
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Anger- … 6161323.jp
Published Date: 18 March 2010
A FURTHER attack on an Orange hall in Rasharkin demonstrates "intolerance and intimidation of Protestants" in the area, it has been claimed.
North Antrim MLA Ian Paisley Jnr was speaking after republican graffiti was daubed on walls of the building on Tuesday night.

The hall has been a regular target for attacks from dissident republicans.

Mr Paisley also condemned the erection of an Irish tricolour on the Joey Dunlop monument in Ballymoney. He said that after a complaint by the DUP, the flag was "swiftly removed".

"This is a case of cultural apartheid where there is no toleration of Protestants or Protestant culture and I wholly condemn it. This property has been attacked dozens of times in recent years," said Mr Paisley.

"Protestants living in Rasharkin are being systematically intimidated through attacks on Protestant property and homes. This is outrageous and totally unacceptable."

Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay labelled the attacks "disgusting". The DUP man added: "The people here are working to move forward, but by their despicable, sectarian actions they are trying to bring everyone back. They must not be allowed to succeed. There is no reason why they can't leave this hall alone."

A police spokeswoman said an incident of criminal damage at Rasharkin Orange hall was reported to PSNI at 7.45am yesterday morning.

She added anyone with information should contact police on 0845 600 8000.