Anger over damage to Irish language sign and graffiti in Glenullin

There has been widespread anger following vandalism to Irish language signs and graffiti being painted on walls in the rural County Derry village of Glenullin.

The vandalism in the area is said to have taken place on Wednesday, May 21. The welcome sign entering Glenullin on the Legavallon Road displays ‘Gleann an Iolair’ (Glen of the Eagle), and has been visibly damaged along with red, white and blue spray paint.

Outside St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Primary School, on the Churchtown Road outside Garvagh, both the bridge and signage has been sprayed with sectarian graffiti, including support for the UDA and FTP.

Local representatives from the area have spoken out against this vandalism which is said to have happened on Wednesday, May 21.

Councillor Ciarán Archibald described this attack as ‘disgraceful’.

“There is no excuse for this type of vandalism and it cannot be tolerated,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this is indicative of the attitude of some in society who show a complete disregard and lack of respect for the Irish Language.

“Signage is often subject to a rigorous community process prior to erection, therefore, these attacks fly in the face of people’s consent.

“I have reported this attack to the PSNI and I am appealing to anyone with information to bring it forward so those responsible can be held to account for these disgraceful crimes.”

Aontú Deputy Leader and representative for East Derry Gemma Brolly has also spoken out calling the vandalism ‘sickening’.

“Mo náire sibh! Sickening acts of vandalism throughout Glenullin today which thankfully reflect no part of a proud and respected community in my parish,” she said.

“This will be investigated and will not be tolerated, while we in this community will continue to build relations and build our community up together.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile!”

Ulster University Irish Language Lecturer Dr Niall Comer has branded the attack as ‘disgusting’ and an act of provocation.

He said: “This is an unacceptable and disgraceful attack and the local community has been left beyond disgusted by this act of vandalism and provocation. All elected representatives should be calling this out for what it is. No ifs or buts, no whataboutery. The broader community, the businesses which depend on good relations, and anyone with influence needs to realise that the days of blatant intimidation are long gone. Nothing should be vandalised, especially not a place-name “Gleann an Iolair” (Glenullin), The Glen of the Eagle. A foundation story of how Christianity came to the area over 1400 years ago. If representing it in the language it was born in is a problem, then we have a new definition of idiocy.”

Police received a report of criminal damage in the Garvagh area. Inspector Brogan said: "It was reported that traffic signage, a bridge and a welcome sign had been spray-painted in the Glenullin Road area. "We are treating this as a sectarian hate crime. "Enquiries are continuing and we would ask anyone who might be able to assist, to contact us on 101."A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.