|
The Central Committee of the Ulster Bands Association would like to
express their utter disgust and anger at the reprehensible sectarian act
on one of our member bands last Friday evening.
The
incident occurred in Toome at approximately midnight when a bus containing
members of a flute band, women and children from Limavady were returning
home after a parade in Newtownards. As the bus entered
Toome, it was overtaken by a car which then deliberately slowed down in
front of the bus. Almost immediately the bus came under
attack by several republicans who threw bricks and other objects, breaking
two windows whilst the car drove of at high speed. The
bus then drove on to Magherafelt RUC Station where the incident was
reported. The end result of this vicious attack saw two
passengers treated in the Mid-Ulster Hospital while at least five spent
several days recovering from shock. For sometime now the
Ulster Bands Association have been alone in highlighting and condemning
these sectarian attacks. Only recently we stated our
fears and concerns that someone would be seriously injured by the actions
of these thugs. Last Friday evening those fears almost became a reality.
Almost certainly those involved are extremely lucky to be alive.
Again this attack must be seen for what it was, a vicious attack by
bigoted people determined to injure any Protestant who has the audacity to
openly express his/her cultural identity through the membership of a
marching band.
|
