Attack on Orange hall strikes fear into Darkley

Fears of further attacks by dissident republicans are said to have prevented Orange Order members from speaking out against the arson attack which destroyed their hall in Darkley, Co Armagh.

Carrickawilken Orange Hall was reduced to a burnt-out shell, after the blaze which is believed to have been started in the early hours of yesterday.

Fire crews from Keady, Newtownhamilton and Armagh spent more than an hour bringing the blaze under control.

The small rural lodge of just 14 members had recently held their first open event in the hall for 40 years, believing the threat against them had been reduced.

The destruction of the hall came just 24 hours after the attack on the home of Sinn Fein member Conor Murphy in Camlough.

The silence of the 14 members of Carrickawilken Lodge has indicated the fear they are living under, according to Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

"I think it says everything, when the members of this small lodge feel they cannot talk about has happened to their hall," said Mr Nelson, "They feel threatened, and this is a massive setback for the very small Protestant community living in this part of south Armagh."

Mr Nelson said he was also concerned that no arrests have been made over recent attacks. "This is the sixth Orange Hall which has been either petrol- or fire-bombed this year. As far as we are aware no one has been apprehended for these attacks."

Ulster Unionist Assemblyman Danny Kennedy said: "This has been carried out by base, elements in society who cannot be allowed to succeed. And with the help of the local community I am confident that the folk who use this hall can rebuild and get Carrickawilken Orange Hall back on its feet."

Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP added her condemnation and called on members of the community in Darkley to come together and to help in the rebuilding of the community facility.

Orangeman William Frazer said the fire was another warning for Protestants: "This attack was to send a message to the unionist and Protestant communities, and that is 'you are not wanted in this area -in south Armagh'."

DUP Assembly member William Irwin added: "The criminals responsible for this dastardly attack are beneath contempt and have no support within the community in the Newry and Armagh area." 6th June 2009 News Letter

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