Graffiti attack on Crosskeys Orange Hall a 'despicable act'

A GRAFFITI attack on Crosskeys Orange Hall has been described as ‘disgusting’ by a local Ulster Unionist councillor.

Hitting out at what he described as an unprovoked attack Councillor Sam Nicholson said it had left the local community in Keady feeling violated.

Mr Nicholson said, “I am totally disgusted at the low life thugs who under the cover of night have sprayed sectarian and offensive slogans across the front of my local Orange Hall. It is a despicable act and abhorrent that anyone could stoop so low.

“Our local community feels violated by this incident and folk in the area are shocked and saddened that there are those who would seek to inflict misery and heartache upon our lodge and our band.

“We like many just want to be respected and be able to celebrate our Orange culture.

“This is yet another unprovoked attack on an easy target.

“I’m disgusted by it. It seems to be that the fact that the Orange Order even exists is an issue for a narrow-minded, bigoted section of society in Northern Ireland.

“It is not just an attack on bricks and mortar, this is an attack on Unionists and the Orange Order, and I condemn those responsible.

“There is no place in society for this bitterness and hatred and it speaks volumes about the perpetrators.

“I have been in contact with the police to report this matter and also share the views and distress of the local community.”

“I also call on all political leaders to condemn those who continue to attack Orange halls. It speaks volumes that this hall has to have security shutters across all its windows and doors in the first place.”

“This is an absolutely vile and dastardly attack on our community and the many people who use this facility, and I urge anyone with information to report it to the PSNI by contacting them on 101.”

The hall was attacked in a similar manner in August 2019.

Editor’s note: We have blanked out a name also scrawled on the walls in our image.