{"id":4431,"date":"2018-11-02T11:46:56","date_gmt":"2018-11-02T11:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=4431"},"modified":"2018-11-02T11:47:13","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T11:47:13","slug":"donegal-orange-hall-reopens-after-destruction-in-2014-arson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=4431","title":{"rendered":"Donegal Orange Hall reopens after destruction in 2014 arson"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A restored first World War memorial damaged when an Orange<\/a> Hall in Co Donegal<\/a> was destroyed by arsonists has been unveiled in the newly rebuilt property.<\/p>\n

A ceremony to mark the opening of the refurbished Newtowncunningham Orange Hall has been held exactly four years on from the blaze that gutted the building.<\/p>\n

The memorial tablet dedicated to Donegal Orangemen who died in the 1914-18 conflict was repaired as part of the restoration project. A Bible found among the charred debris has also been saved and reinstated in the new-look hall.<\/p>\n

The project was supported with funding from the Government in the Republic.<\/p>\n

Members from Newtowncunningham True Blues Loyal Orange Lodge 1063 were joined at a dedication service by senior Orangemen.<\/p>\n

Newtowncunningham deputy master, Stewart McClean, said he was delighted with the new building, and extended his thanks to the Government in the South.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe opening of our new hall is a tremendous accomplishment for all those associated with this substantial rebuild, and is a defining and historic moment for our lodge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Generations to come<\/h4>\n

\u201cThe upgraded property has been built for use by the local community and will be utilised not only by the lodge and accordion band, but also a range of groups and organisations in the area. We are confident the hall will be a wonderful asset for east Donegal for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new hall is larger and better equipped than its predecessor. There are also plans to incorporate a small museum inside the facility.<\/p>\n

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland<\/a>, Edward Stevenson<\/a>, officially opened the new building.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is tremendous to see this community facility rise again from the ashes and fully restored to its former glory,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts renewed and improved presence is testament to the fortitude and resilience of the Protestant<\/a> and Orange fraternity in the Donegal area.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lodge has a proud military heritage, most notably during the Great War, and therefore it is particularly fitting that such a redevelopment occur in this, the centenary year of the Armistice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new hall will stand as not only a tribute to those former members, but also in its everyday operation will provide a lasting legacy for future generations.\u201d \u2013 Press Association<\/p>\n

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