Local political representatives have been united in their condemnation of an attack carried out on Newry Cenotaph last weekend. The incident, which took place during the early hours of Saturday 14th July, saw several dozen poppy wreaths – commemorating those who died in the First and Second World Wars – torn from the Cenotaph and thrown into the river.
The wreaths were found washed up on the muddy river banks by passersby as they made their way to work early on Saturday morning.
There was high praise however for a “cross section of the community” who subsequently formed a human chain to retrieve the washed up wreaths from Clanrye River and return them to the war memorial.
The attack came less than a week after wreaths remembering 18 soldiers killed at Warrenpoint were damaged at the Narrow Water Memorial. Hitting out at the latest desecration, Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor described the Cenotaph attack as a “despicable action.”
“The local community are understandably disgusted at this incident and are very clear that the perpetrators of this shameful act do not speak for the vast majority of citizens in Newry,” he added.
“This was reflected in the fact that members of the local community assisted with the retrieval of the wreaths from the river.
“There are still some unfortunately who are determined to try and cause division, driven by a narrow sectarian mind-set and it is sickening to see a Cenotaph targeted in this way as they pursue their warped agenda.
“I would appeal to anyone with information on this hate crime to report it to Police immediately to ensure that those responsible for this heinous action are brought to justice.”
Reacting to the vandalism, Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said there was “no place for such attacks like this in our society.”
“This criminal act at the Newry Cenotaph is wrong and I condemn it,” said the Sinn Fein MLA.
“Monuments and memorials are important places of commemoration and remembrance within communities and should be respected.
“Those involved in these criminal acts need to be apprehended and face the full rigours of the law. Anyone with information in relation to this criminal act should contact the PSNI.”
DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin branded the incident “another hate-filled sectarian attack” and added, “It is so distasteful and sickening to see that there are those out there who obviously take delight in causing hurt, distress and offence.”
“It is also certainly worth remembering that the people they are disrespecting by these hateful actions paid the supreme sacrifice in protecting the nation and preserving democratic freedoms for everyone.
“Hopefully those behind this latest attack can be brought before the courts and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact the PSNI immediately.”
Questioning the motives of the perpetrators, Newry SDLP councillor asked,
“What did your actions achieve?”
Slamming the attack as a “mindless act of vandalism that achieved nothing other than cause hurt to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars,” Councillor Savage added,
“I am an Irishman who recognises that thousands of fellow Irishmen died fighting to protect our way of life. Many of them from our city and surrounding areas from all faiths.
“I believe in a New Ireland that respects all traditions on this island and I work towards creating that New Ireland. Those responsible for this terrible act of disrespect do nothing to help achieve that New Ireland. I would ask them what did their actions achieve and ask them to reflect on the hurt they are causing in their own community.”