17/09/2018
Vandals Desecrate Narrow Water Memorial Near Warrenpoint
Ulster Unionist Councillor, David Taylor, has condemned those responsible for desecrating a memorial near Warrenpoint in Co Down.
Poppy wreaths, crosses and written tributes were vandalised at the Narrow Water memorial on Saturday, 15 September.
The site is a tribute to 18 soldiers who were killed by the IRA when their convoy was ambushed by two roadside bombs in 1979.
Various reports have claimed Cliftonville football fans returning from a fixture in Warrenpoint on the day were responsible for the vandalism.
Calling for robust action against those responsible, Cllr David Taylor said: "It is hard to find words strong enough to condemn the actions of those so called Cliftonville football fans who got off a bus at Narrow Water, Warrenpoint on Saturday to desecrate a memorial to 18 men who were murdered on that site 39 years ago.
"Their attack on this memorial is deplorable. They have vandalised poppy wreaths and destroyed messages left in memory of those who were murdered at Narrow Water. These so called football fans are the lowest of the low and are intent on causing more pain for the families of the victims."
In a statement, Cliftonville FC Chairman Gerard Lawlor said he totally condemned any act of desecration.
"We live in a sad society where anyone would get a kick out of desecrating a memorial," he said.
"If anyone connected with our Club has any information about the incident then they should report it to the PSNI. This pathetic act isn't in my name nor that of Cliftonville Football Club."
Image credit: Memorial to the Narrow Water Massacre Facebook.
(LM/CM)
Poppy wreaths, crosses and written tributes were vandalised at the Narrow Water memorial on Saturday, 15 September.
The site is a tribute to 18 soldiers who were killed by the IRA when their convoy was ambushed by two roadside bombs in 1979.
Various reports have claimed Cliftonville football fans returning from a fixture in Warrenpoint on the day were responsible for the vandalism.
Calling for robust action against those responsible, Cllr David Taylor said: "It is hard to find words strong enough to condemn the actions of those so called Cliftonville football fans who got off a bus at Narrow Water, Warrenpoint on Saturday to desecrate a memorial to 18 men who were murdered on that site 39 years ago.
"Their attack on this memorial is deplorable. They have vandalised poppy wreaths and destroyed messages left in memory of those who were murdered at Narrow Water. These so called football fans are the lowest of the low and are intent on causing more pain for the families of the victims."
In a statement, Cliftonville FC Chairman Gerard Lawlor said he totally condemned any act of desecration.
"We live in a sad society where anyone would get a kick out of desecrating a memorial," he said.
"If anyone connected with our Club has any information about the incident then they should report it to the PSNI. This pathetic act isn't in my name nor that of Cliftonville Football Club."
Image credit: Memorial to the Narrow Water Massacre Facebook.
(LM/CM)
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