Graffiti daubed on signage at cricket club

Image sent in on 29-03-16 of William Irwin at Laurelvale Cricket Ground

Added by AK

Accompanied by this release:

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has slammed those responsible for vandalising advertising hoardings at Laurelvale cricket ground.
The hoardings were defaced with IRA graffiti and Mr Irwin said those responsible had nothing to offer the community in the area and demanded they "stop immediately".
Mr Irwin stated, "I totally condemn those behind this act of sectarianism, especially so as Laurelvale is a quiet and close knit community. Certainly the wider community would totally reject this sinister vandalism and in light of the fact that the letters IRA have been sprayed makes this all the more despicable and it must stop immediately."
He concluded, "There have been a number of concerning incidents across the borough orchestrated by republicans in recent days and the targeting of a valued community resource and sporting organisation in Laurelvale, shows just how out of touch with — Image sent in on 29-03-16 of William Irwin at Laurelvale Cricket Ground Added by AK Accompanied by this release: Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has slammed those responsible for vandalising advertising hoardings at Laurelvale cricket ground. The hoardings were defaced with IRA graffiti and Mr Irwin said those responsible had nothing to offer the community in the area and demanded they "stop immediately". Mr Irwin stated, "I totally condemn those behind this act of sectarianism, especially so as Laurelvale is a quiet and close knit community. Certainly the wider community would totally reject this sinister vandalism and in light of the fact that the letters IRA have been sprayed makes this all the more despicable and it must stop immediately." He concluded, "There have been a number of concerning incidents across the borough orchestrated by republicans in recent days and the targeting of a valued community resource and sporting organisation in Laurelvale, shows just how out of touch with

The graffiti attack happened on Monday and has been roundly condemned by local politicians.

Independent Councillor Paul Berry said, “I would condemn this graffiti sprayed on advertising signage outside Laurelvale Cricket Club on Monday.

“I live in the village and when I was informed about this act of vandalism and sectarian behaviour I contacted our Council team to have this removed as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank the Council staff for removing this on Tuesday morning as this has caused offence in the village.

“I would appeal to the local community to ignore such provocation and appeal to anyone with information to report it to the PSNI.

He concluded, “Laurelvale is a quiet Village and such vandalism of hate and provocation is not welcome and I have no doubt this will be ignored by the local community.

“I have spoken to local neighbours today out and about and people are just annoyed that this graffiti has appeared and no one can understand why this has happened at all.”

DUP assemblyman William Irwin condemned those responsible for what he desribed as “sinister vandalism”.

Mr Irwin said the vandals used spray paint to write ‘IRA’ on hoardings, and has concerns it is part of an orchestrated campaign.

“I totally condemn those behind this act of sectarianism, especially so as Laurelvale is a quiet and close knit community.

“Certainly the wider community would totally reject this sinister vandalism and in light of the fact that the letters IRA have been sprayed makes this all the more despicable and it must stop immediately.”

Mr Irwin added: “There have been a number of concerning incidents across the borough orchestrated by republicans in recent days and the targeting of a valued community resource and sporting organisation in Laurelvale, shows just how out of touch with reality those behind this vandalism really are.”