NHS supporting Orange lodge targeted by sectarian vandals

Sectarian graffiti at Dunmurry Orange Hall

The Dunmurry Orange Hall had CIRA (Continuity IRA) painted on its front wall close to where the Dunmurry True Blues lodge had placed the tribute to the health workers and other essential workers.

A similar banner placed on an Orange hall in Dunloy was damaged by republicans last week.

A statement posted on the Facebook page of the Orange Order’s Derriaghy District, said the damage was caused over the weekend.

It said: “Early on Saturday morning Dunmurry True Blues L.O.L 1046 erected a banner on Dunmurry Orange Hall voicing their support for the HNS staff and keyworkers and by lunchtime on Monday red graffiti had been sprayed on the side of the hall supporting the Continuity Irish Republican Army.

“The brethren of Derriaghy District No.11 are no strangers to sectarian attacks and abuse. It is a sad reality that we and our supporters have come to accept over the years as a price we pay for expressing our beliefs and culture in an area with a rapidly changing demographic.

“However THIS was not an expression of Protestantism, Unionism or Orangeism, it was simply a group within the local community who wished to express their gratitude for the sacrifices that the NHS and key workers are making for EVERYONE in that community.”

The statement goes on to say: “Despite the small mindedness, ignorance and sectarian hatred of the individual who broke lockdown restrictions to perpetrate this act the brethren of Dunmurry True Blues L.O.L 1046 and Derriaghy District as a whole will not be shaken in our support of the heroes saving lives and ensuring vital services are delivered during this crisis.

“Stay home. Save Lives. Protect the NHS.”

Last week’s attack on the Dunloy banner was condemned by the first minister Arlene Foster.

In a Twitter message, Ms Foster said: “This is a sick sectarian attack by people who consistently target the Orange Hall in Dunloy. It’s not an attack on bricks and mortar or in this case an NHS banner, it’s an attack on the men, women and children who use the hall.”