AN ORANGE hall in south Armagh has been destroyed in an arson attack.
Carrickawilkan hall near Darkley was destroyed in the fire. The hall was last attacked and destroyed in 1970, but was restored.
Orange Order grand secretary Drew Nelson said the 14 or so local Orangemen would be very surprised their hall had been targeted.
“It was burnt down in 1970 and rebuilt, and right through the Troubles there were really just Orange meetings in the hall.
“It was just during this last winter they held a dance in the hall as they’ve slowly regained confidence and tried to reopen it. It’s a big setback for the Protestant community in that area.”
An attempt has also been made to break into Cladybeg Orange hall near Newtownhamilton, a short distance away. A fire was started at the rear of the hall but caused minimal damage.
The Orange Order said last night an attempt was made to burn Newcastle Orange hall 13 days ago. Minor damage was caused.
A statement from the order’s Grand Lodge condemned the attacks as attempts to create community tension.
“We would appeal for calm from all our members and our supporters. The way to deal with these attacks is to work with the police and help them find the culprits.
“There must be people in the area who have valuable information about who is carrying out these attacks on our culture.”
Minister for Security Paul Goggins linked the arson with the attack on Thursday on the home of Sinn Féin Minister and Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy.
“In the last two days we have witnessed despicable attacks on an Orange hall in Keady and the home of the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy in Camlough.
“Those behind these attacks want to raise tensions in the community, and their actions are in stark contrast with the great majority of people who have repeatedly made clear that they want nothing to do with sectarianism and intimidation.”