Twelfth decorations vandalised in Clogher
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
TWELFTH decorations were vandalised in Clogher ahead of the Twelfth parade.
Bunting was removed from the Twelfth venue in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident has been condemned by the Orange Order and politicians.
Fivemiletown District Master Mark Robinson told the Courier: "This criminal act cannot be justified and is steeped in hatred and intolerance. Last year we had a similar situation in Augher where almost £500 worth of damage was caused to Twelfth decorations in the town.
“This is unacceptable. Not only was the bunting torn, but the poles supporting the bunting were also removed and discarded nearby.
“The Twelfth celebrations in the Fivemiletown District are renowned for being peaceful, but it is clear there is a small segment who are trying to stir up strife.
“We do not want any sectarianism introduced to Clogher and we want a peaceful Twelfth where this respect and tolerance."
DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Lord Morrow stated: "Those who removed the bunting do not represent the people of Clogher. They are attempting to introduce tension into a situation where no tension previously existed.
“Clogher is a peaceful rural town where both communities live side-by-side. Those who carried out this act of vandalism are filled with sectarian motives and want to drag our community backwards.
“Whilst some may disagree with the Orange Order, they should have the decency to respect the culture of their Protestant neighbours."
Lord Morrow appealed for no retaliation.
http://www.tyronecourier.uk.com/article....logherAdded (2011-07-17, 2:27 Am)
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Page 19 of Thursday 14th july 2011's edition of the Mid Ulster Mail includes a small article on an arson attack on Killymoon Orange Hall in Cookstown which happened in the early hours of last Friday morning. Add to this the burning of the bonfire in the area a week before the 11th of July and reports of the attempted removal of flags and an attempt to burn Monrushs bonfire in Cookstown.
Added (2011-07-17, 2:29 Am)
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reading through twitter and message boards and it would seem last nights rioting in portadown was a result of republicans ripping down loyalist flags and attacking corcrain orange hall. this has been going on all week and as loyalists were erecting new flags last night to replace the ones ripped down, they were attacked by a republican mob and a riot ensued.
Some feedback as to what actually happened in Portadown, instead of the usual republican spin.
