Graffiti on Derry church condemned as an an attempt to intimidate

SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Brian Tierney condemned the appearance of graffiti on the walls of St Joseph’s Chapel in Galliagh on Wednesday evening.

Councillor Tierney said: “I condemn this reckless act. Those behind it should have more regard for their local area. At a time when the city of Derry is pulling together in the midst of a global pandemic, it is disappointing that some are determined to cause damage.

“I have spoken to the parish priest who was very upset that St Joseph’s church was targeted in this way. I am appealing to people to cease acts like this, which do nothing but set our community back.

“Anyone with any information should contact PSNI or Crimestoppers.”

The IRSP in Derry also condemned the graffiti, which it said was targeted at an individual with a target sign spray painted on the walls.

The IRSP said that the incident follows a recent arson attacks on a community and political activist’s vehicles outside his home in Ballymagroarty last week.

“These attacks and threats come at a time when the IRSP and wider Republican Socialist Movement have been involved in a sustained and essential effort to provide much needed PPE to care homes and doctors surgeries across Derry and indeed across Ireland,” a spokesperson said.

“Thousands of items such as visors, masks, aprons and hand sanitiser have been given to front line workers across our community by the IRSP through an initiative called Republican Socialist Aid.

“The attacks on our community come at a time when people are working tirelessly to make sure front line workers get the equipment that they need and vulnerable and isolated people get essential food and other items. We and indeed the wider community can not and will not tolerate anti social elements attempting to disrupt these vital efforts.”