War memorial attack in Glengormley prompts call for tighter security at cenotaphs

DUP Councillor Alison Bennington said the quality and positioning of CCTV installations should be reviewed in conjunction with the PSNI following an attack on Glengormley Cenotaph last month.

Speaking at the recent full meeting of the borough council, Councillor Bennington thanked council staff for removing the graffiti “quickly and efficiently and getting the memorial back to its grand old state”.

There has been cross-party condemnation of the vandalism attack at the war memorial at Lilian Bland Park, in Glengormley, which was daubed with spray paint during an incident which is believed to have taken place overnight on Friday, October 3.

Police have said the incident at the war memorial is being treated as a “hate crime”. The council has been working with the PSNI to access CCTV footage.

At the recent full meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, councillors unanimously backed a motion condemning the desecration of Glengormley Cenotaph, proposed by Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster.

Councillor Bennington’s amendment to the proposal calling for a review of CCTV was accepted.

Councillor Foster said: “The Glengormley Cenotaph stands as a solemn monument to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom.

"Acts of vandalism or desecration against such memorials are deeply offensive to the memory of the fallen, to their families, and to the entire community.

“This motion reaffirms the chamber’s commitment to upholding mutual respect, remembrance, and unity across all traditions. It calls for collective condemnation of any attacks on war memorials, irrespective of the faith or background of those commemorated.”

He urged that the chamber “expresses solidarity with all who honour the memory of those who served, irrespective of religion or creed” and that council officers “promote education, respect and remembrance across the community to prevent such acts in future”.

Alderman Cosgrove said: “We need to have a real programme of education to ensure everyone recognises and understands it was everyone from this community who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“There is a crucial piece of education to ensure that whatever motivates someone to desecrate the memory of those who provided us with the freedom that we enjoy today is challenged in the most appropriate way.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Eamonn McLaughlin stated: “Sinn Fein unequivocally condemns the recent attack on Glengormley War Memorial. Acts of vandalism against places of remembrance are deeply disrespectful and serve to inflame division.

“They are not a political battlegrounds but solemn spaces where people and their loved ones can reflect on the past. Everyone has a right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.”

Alliance Councillor Billy Webb said: “This act of vandalism at Glengormley War Memorial has caused real hurt and anger and rightly so.

“The Glengormley Cenotaph is not just a monument, it is a sacred space dedicated to young men, many no more than young boys, who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.”

He went on to say that parents, guardians and community leaders have “a vital role to play” in ensuring young people understand the significance of such places.

SDLP Cllr Roisin Lynch said she was “deeply disappointed” and condemned the desecration of Glengormley Cenotaph, adding: ”Such attacks are utterly wrong and hurtful to families and wider community.”

“As a community, we must stand against disrespect and intolerance no matter where it comes from,” she stressed.

DUP Alderman Paula Bradley said: “I was one of those people who was extremely hurt when I think of all those men, women and children whose lives were changed especially during those two world wars.”

She went on to say that it “beggars belief” why anyone would want to do this to a war memorial.” Alderman Bradley noted “countless” attacks on the cenotaph in recent years.

“I think we need to take action because we can try to educate people but we actually need to put a deterrent in place to try to stop this dreadful behaviour from happening again.”

In a statement issued after the meeting, Antrim and Newtownabbey mayor Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick said: “This council chamber unites to utterly condemn these attacks, and to honour the sacrifice of brave men and women from every background.

“It is our duty to protect their memory and promote peace and understanding for generations to come.”