Vandals attack Drumnakilly Martyrs memorial in Tyrone

» Mark Moloney

'Memorials like this, no matter whom or what they are for, shouldn't be the target of vandals'

A MEMORIAL to three IRA Volunteers killed in a British military 'shoot-to-kill' operation in 1988 has been attacked by vandals.

Over St Patrick's weekend a steel cross erected in memory of brothers Gerard and Martin Harte and Brian Mullin at Drumnakilly in County Tyrone was daubed with paint by vandals.

The three IRA Volunteers were on active service and traveling in a car on 30 August 1988 in Drumnakilly when they were ambushed by British forces.

Condemning the vandals, Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald said:

"I am appalled and disgusted at this pointless attack. This memorial has been on this spot for many years and should be left alone.

"For people to come with the intention of attacking this memorial is inexcusable. Memorials like this, no matter whom or what they are for, shouldn't be the target of vandals."

Nishey Harte, the brother of Volunteers Martin and Gerard, said local people had contacted him to express their anger at the attack with many offering their help to restore the memorial.