Order wants end to tit-for-tat arson attacks
The Orange Order today called for an end to tit-for-tat attacks in the North after two GAA clubs were targeted by arsonists.
Grand Secretary Drew Nelson demanded tougher sentences for those involved in hate crimes against all community buildings.
His comments came after GAA clubs in Cookstown and Edendork, Co Tyrone, were set ablaze in weekend attacks.
“Police do quite a good job trying to catch these people but the Orange Order is very disappointed with what happens when people are detected.
“To my knowledge the last two people brought to court for burning Orange halls have received community service orders.
“Attacks on community halls have such potential to create community division and to invite tit-for-tat attacks that community service orders are far too mild a punishment and are not really proportionate.”
Extensive damage was caused in the fire at the Fr Rocks GAA building on Convent Road, Cookstown, police said this morning.
On Saturday morning a blaze was discovered at St Malachy’s GAA club in Edendork, Cookstown. Police are also treating that fire as suspicious.
The blaze at St Malachy’s destroyed the roof and the building was later declared unsafe.
Mr Nelson said there were up to 10,000 halls from both sides of the community which could be vulnerable to attack unless there was a clampdown.
“It is very difficult to understand why the judiciary takes this attitude, there have been very few convictions over the years but it does appear that the punishments over this past year have been very mild,” he added.
SDLP Assembly member Patsy McGlone also condemned the attacks.
“Those responsible are completely wrong and their reckless actions must be stopped,” he said.
“We have seen far too many attacks on GAA and Orange Order facilities and those responsible must stop in their immature actions as they are wrecking key community facilities and threatening community relations.
