by Eamonn MacDermott, Inishowen Independent
THERE has been widespread condemnation following an
arson attack on Newtowncunningham Orange Hall last
weekend.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to
come forward. According to Garda sources the attack
took place sometime between 3am and 9am on Saturday
morning. The double entrance doors to the hall were
badly damaged in the attack and there was scorch
damage to the outside of the building. It is thought
that the sturdiness of the doors prevented further
damage to the hall.
Garda scenes of crimes officers attended the scene
on Saturday morning and removed some of the debris
that was then sent to Dublin for examination.
A Garda source said that while it had not yet been
established what sort of accelerant had been used to
start the blaze, the fact that the fire took hold so
violently led them to believe that something had
been used to start the fire. It is thought that the
results from Dublin will be available within days.
Earlier that Friday, May 28, there had been a march
through Newtown village by the local Apprentice Boys
of Derry club and a new bannerette had been
unfurled.
It is understood that following the march to the
Hall and a short service, the march returned to a
local carpark where a minor incident took place when
three locals made their opposition to the march
clear.
Local gardaí at the scene dealt with the incident
and the rest of the march passed off peacefully.
Community relations in the village have always been
described as good and there has never been any
tension between the communities.
Politicians and community leaders across the divide
have condemned the fire.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to
come forward. They can contact local Gardai on 074
9156113 or else Letterkenny gardai on 0749167100. |
