Orange war memorial destroyed

AN Orange Order war memorial in Coleraine has been desecrated in an attack.

Vandals smashed a memorial stone outside Killowen Orange Hall and also shredded poppy wreaths in the early hours of Saturday morning.

David Mc Ilreavy, Caretaker of Killowen Memorial Orange Hall shows some of the damage caused to a memorial stone during an attack on in the early hours of Saturday morning.
PICTURE: MARK JAMIESON. — David Mc Ilreavy, Caretaker of Killowen Memorial Orange Hall shows some of the damage caused to a memorial stone during an attack on in the early hours of Saturday morning. PICTURE: MARK JAMIESON.

placeholder image — David Mc Ilreavy, Caretaker of Killowen Memorial Orange Hall shows some of the damage caused to a memorial stone during an attack on in the early hours of Saturday morning. PICTURE: MARK JAMIESON.

The war tribute by Killowen LOL 930 was formally dedicated two years ago in memory of local brethren who paid the ultimate sacrifice in both the First and Second World Wars.

Coleraine District Master George Duddy expressed his disgust at the actions of the perpetrators.

He said: “This heinous act is not only an insult to the entire community of Coleraine but also to those who sacrificed so much on the front line so that we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

“While those we remember served their country in uniform with honour, the culprits of this reprehensible deed offer nothing but shame.”