Orange hall graffiti being treated as sectarian hate crime
Last updated 29th Nov 2022
Police are investigating a report of criminal damage at an Orange Hall on Crosskeys Road, Keady.
The report was received at approximately 9.45am this morning (Tuesday 29th November) that graffiti had been sprayed on the building sometime between 10pm on Monday night and this morning.
DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin has condemned those who carried out the attack.
He said: "This is sadly another example of hatred and sectarianism directed at members of the Orange Order within this constituency. Those behind this sinister criminality should desist immediately and I hope they will be brought before the courts. For anyone to spray paint over an important community resource is outrageous but to spray IRA slogans is sickening.
"This requires leadership from Sinn Fein as they consistently glorify the IRA and misleadingly state that the IRA had “no alternative”. The IRA was responsible for murdering, kidnapping, robbing, assaulting, and racketeering in this community and for anyone, let alone the Sinn Fein leadership, to laud the IRA as heroes is a rewriting of history and grossly irresponsible. Such statements equip a new generation to spread hate in this manner.
"It is concerning that such an attack has taken place and it is only a few years since the hall was last targeted in a sectarian attack. Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to contact the PSNI immediately and assist with their inquiries."
Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police in Armagh on 101, quoting reference number 442 29/11/22.
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.