Orange Hall burnt down

GOVERNMENT aid is likely to be sought for the redevelopment of an Orange Hall in Co Cavan, which was gutted at about 8pm on Thursday night in a suspected arson attack.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern is expected to send officials from his department to the scene.

The hall was last used by Orangemen on Friday night.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs have been in contact with local residents and Orange Order members and are expected to travel to Cavan for meetings.

Drew Nelson, grand master of the Orange Order in Ireland, said: “I am very sad about this. During the Troubles, there were eight Orange Halls in Cavan attacked. Three of them were burnt out and it is sad to see the total devastation here.”

Local gardaí said the incident appeared “suspicious”.

Cavan-based Charlie McAdam, a member of the Border Minority cross-community group, said the community was shocked “that Hallowe’en night should be used to carry out this attack”.

He added: “This was not just an Orange Hall — it was used for various activities, such as fundraising events, while youngsters used it for table tennis.

“It was an active lodge with around a dozen members but I hope we can move on and rebuild it. This has sent shock waves across the community and we had plenty of good Catholic neighbours calling and offering their support. There is a great community spirit in the area.

“We may look for government funding to refurbish the hall. I have received dozens of phone calls from people inquiring how bad the fire was but the spirit is there to rebuild the hall.”

Sinn Féin’s Deputy Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said: “If it was an arson attack, we would totally condemn it”.