Condemnation after Gaza-related graffiti sprayed on Newtownabbey memorial stone

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council has confirmed work is being carried out to remove pro-IRA and Gaza-related graffiti from an historical site in the borough.
By Russell Keers
Published 21st Mar 2024, 16:36 GMT
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‘Free Gaza’ was sprayed on a memorial stone in Gideon’s Green in Newtownabbey, while ‘IRA’ was daubed on a park bench at the location.

The memorial in the centre of the green commemorates Gideon Boonivert, a Huguenot soldier whose diary recorded the landing near the site of the European army that accompanied William III to Ireland in 1690.

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Branding the graffiti as “wanton vandalism”, Macedon Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Robert Foster stated: “There is an element in society who have zero respect and I hope they are caught without delay.

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The graffiti was reported to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on March 21. (Pic: Contributed).The graffiti was reported to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on March 21. (Pic: Contributed).
The graffiti was reported to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on March 21. (Pic: Contributed).
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Condemnation after Gaza-related and pro-IRA graffiti painted at Newtownabbey bea...

"Not only have they vandalised an historic stone marking the Williamite landings, they have vandalised a memorial bench with terrorist graffiti. I have reported it to the council as a hate crime and have requested that this is removed immediately from Gideon’s Green.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “The graffiti was reported to the council today. The graffiti to the memorial stone, gate post and bench was subsequently inspected. All lots of work will be completed by 5pm today (March 21). The cost is estimated at £250+VAT.”

The incident follows similar damage at the start of March which saw slogans including ‘Free Gaza’, ‘Sinn Fein’ and ‘IRA’ painted on numerous surfaces, including a life ring close to Belfast Lough at Hazelbank Park.