Arsonists target Convoy Orange Hall

According to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, the Gardai are currently working to establish the cause of the fire, but a spokesman said that early indications were that entry was forced. It is the latest in a spate of attacks on Orange property in the border counties.

Last month, Newtowncunningham Orange Hall was gutted in a arson attack, while Carnagh Orange hall in south Armagh was the target of an attempted bomb attack last weekend.

Press Officer for the City of Londonderry City Grand Lodge, Victor Wray, condemned the attack calling it “a hate crime against the minority Protestant population in the area”.

“The hall was used as a cross-comminity facility and has been an integral part of the community there since the 1920s, used for cultural events, Christmas parties and all sides of the community for social and community events. It is hard to see this as anything other than a hate crime,” he said, adding: “I would estimate that as much as £100,000 in damage has been caused, but knowing the brethren of Raphoe as I do, they will rebuild”.

Extensively refurbished just over three years ago, Convoy Orange Hallwas built in the 1930s. It is predominantly used by members of Thiepval Memorial LOL 1005 and a local Apprentice Boys Club, as well as a facility for other community activities.

Alan Laird, Convoy Worshipful Master, said members were devastated by the fire: “The Orange fraternity in Convoy is just aghast. We are in a complete state of shock. We enjoy fantastic community relations with our Roman Catholic neighbours and have no idea why our hall would be targeted in such a manner.”

“The hall has served as a hub for a range of social activities for generations, and only recently hosted a 100th birthday party. Its immediate loss will be keenly felt but we are determined to see the hall restored again to its former glory,” he said.

Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Drew Nelson, said: “It would appear that this incident, although not yet confirmed, is a carbon copy of the recent arson attack at Newtowncunningham. If so, it is our belief such criminality will be roundly rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Roman Catholic community in Donegal.

“Attacks on Orange halls are an insidious form of sectarianism, which by the evidence of recent weeks, are being carried out by a small group of well organised people,” he said.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has urged any witnesses to contact Gardai as a matter of urgency.

There have been a total of 16 reported attacks on Orange property so far this year in Northern Ireland and the Republic.