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Violence

Ballymena Protestant Boys Flute Band Calls for an End to Disorder in the Town Centre

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band and Deputy Mayor Tyler Hoey, a member of the band's committee, spoke out against the violence that erupted in the town centre on Monday night following a protest over an alleged sexual assault. The band, which had initially supported the protest to back the family of the alleged victim, condemned the violence and called for it to stop. Deputy Mayor Hoey emphasized that the disorder detracted from the message they were trying to convey, which was one of solidarity and raising valid concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band initially supported the protest to back the family of the alleged victim and condemned the violence that followed.
  • The band, along with Deputy Mayor Tyler Hoey, called for an end to the disorder and its influence in the area to work towards defusing the situation.
  • The protest attracted a couple of thousand Ballymena locals, but the message they hoped to convey was overshadowed by property damage and clashes with police.
  • Deputy Mayor Hoey stated that the young people involved in the disorder needed to ask themselves if they condoned the violence, which detracted from the solidarity and concerns they hoped to raise.
  • The band's initial protest was meant to support the family of the alleged victim and raise valid concerns, but the subsequent violence overshadowed the message.

Statistics:

  • Over 2,000 Ballymena locals attended the protest in the town centre.
  • The protest was sparked by an alleged sexual assault, for which two teenage boys have been charged in court.
  • The Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band has a significant influence in the area and is calling for an end to the disorder.

Sources:

  • Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band, "Statement on Monday's Disorder", Ballymena Protestant Boys/Facebook.
  • Tyler Hoey, Deputy Mayor, "Statement on Monday's Disorder", Ballymena Protestant Boys/Facebook.
  • Image: Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band called for an end to disorder that hit the town centre on Monday night, Photo: Ballymena Protestant Boys/Facebook

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