Police investigating as 'hate crimes' graffiti attack on Rasharkin Orange Hall and earlier incident at GAA club in village
Police are investigating two reports of criminal damage in Rasharkin on Sunday (May 7) as sectarian hate crimes.
Pro-IRA slogans were sprayed on Rasharkin Orange Hall on Sunday evening, which police believe could be linked to an earlier incident when graffiti was sprayed on the gates of St Mary's Rasharkin GAC, Townhill Road.
Inspector Hamilton said: “Just before 11pm, we received a report that graffiti had been sprayed on a building in the Main Street area of the town.
“A possible link between this and a similar report in the Townhill Road area of Rasharkin, earlier on Sunday 7th June, is being investigated. Both these reports are being treated as a sectarian hate crimes and enquiries are ongoing.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or to anyone with information or footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1564 of 07/06/26.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
In a social media post, St Mary’s GAC said: “To be targeted in this manner is disappointing. Sectarian graffiti is wrong in any setting and should be condemned.
"Our club is proud to provide an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds to enjoy Gaelic games in the village.
"It is particularly disappointing that this incident comes during a weekend where hundreds of our young people have been busy enjoying our games.”
The Orange hall on Rasharkin Main Street has been the target of many similar attacks in the past and this latest one has been condemned by TUV representatives.
Councillor Jonathan McAuley said: “I am disgusted that Rasharkin Orange Hall was attacked late this evening. The culprits were captured on CCTV spraying graffiti on the walls and laughing.
“For decades the minority Unionist community has been subjected to attacks of this nature. Once again, the Orange Order — as the visible face of Protestant culture and identity in the village — has been the focal point.”
Party leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister said: “I am disgusted that pro-IRA graffiti has been scrawled on Rasharkin Orange Hall. This is a clear attempt to intimidate not just members of the Order but the wider Unionist community in the area.
“Sadly, the truth is that there are those who will not be satisfied until the last Protestant leaves the village. It is time society generally called this vile bigotry out for what it is."
In a statement, the TUV went on to call for an increased police presence to prevent similar attacks.
North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston said: “We will be raising this matter with the police and stressing to them the need for additional patrols and other measures to prevent further incidents of this nature as we enter the marching season.
"Not content with stopping parades in the village, it seems that Republicans are intent on removing every vestige of Protestantism and loyalism from the area.”