Around 20 flags have been stolen from Lifford Bridge early this morning, just hours after they were erected ahead of this Sunday’s National Hunger Strike Commemoration.
Sinn Féin activists from Lifford and Strabane placed the flags on the parade route through Lifford and Strabane on Thursday night in preparation for the major rally.
However, there was shock on Friday morning when it emerged that approximately twenty tricolours were ripped from their posts.
The theft was strongly condemned by Donegal Sinn Féin Councillor Gary Doherty and party colleague and Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, who said that those responsible will fail in their attempt to disrupt preparations for the parade.
The National Hunger Strike Commemoration and rally is one of the most important dates in the Republican calendar.
It will take place in Lifford/Strabane for the first time this Sunday, starting in the Diamond in Lifford at 2.30 pm and ending in Abercorn Square in Strabane.
Sinn Féin councillors Doherty and Boyle issued a joint statement criticising the theft and sectarian abuse which reportedly occurred during the incident.
They said: “In the early hours of this morning and under the cover of darkness, a group loyalists ripped down and stole as many flags as they could before being challenged by local people who were then subjected to sectarian abuse by those involved as they made off in two cars.
“Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and pride and it is sad that these loyalists should be so ‘small minded’ as to engage in such futile acts.
“These actions will only serve to strengthen the resolve of republicans to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of the Hunger Strikers this weekend.”
The incident has been reported to Gardaí and the PSNI.
The main speaker at the event is Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson.
