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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Press Statements

Tyrone Orangemen Condemn Arson Attack

6 January 2005

Orangemen in Tyrone have condemned an arson attack on an Orange Hall at Douglas Bridge - the second such incident in a week.

The front door of the hall was set on fire causing minor damage during the attack last night (5 January). Earlier over the Christmas period, vandals used spray paint to deface the front of the property with graffiti and sectarian slogans.

In a statement issued today the local Orange Lodge, Johnston's Purple Heroes L.O.L. 205, described the attacks as "most disappointing" especially at a time when many within Northern Ireland were looking forward to a peaceful future.

"What is very distressing is that during the festive season, a time for peace and supposedly good will to all men, there are those who seek to create disunity and tension in an area where there has been complete community harmony for many years. It is our wish to see all people within our area mutually co-exist and, through respect and tolerance, enable each other to practice daily life as they best see fit. It is only when this objective is realised that we will have a society truly at peace with itself. As a lodge we have been operating in this area since 1823; our hall was opened in 1929 and we are determined to continue promoting our faith and culture regardless of the actions of thugs. "

Commenting on last night's attack, Nigel Reid, Orange Order District Master, said: "It's both sad and ironic that at a time when people of all creeds have united to help the victims of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, there are still mindless people here in Northern Ireland with nothing better to do than to intimidate members of the Protestant community".


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