Cross-community efforts praised after stolen Ballymena memorial flags returned

(L-R): Ballymena Councillor Rodney Quigley and Ulster Unionist Party Leader & North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

Cross-community cooperation behind the scenes has been credited with helping secure the return of flags stolen from Ballymena’s Somme Memorial, as work continues to prepare for their reinstatement at the Queen Street site.

The flags have already been safely returned to the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Memorial Association after being recovered in Londonderry. Attention is now turning to the efforts which helped bring them home — and when they will once again fly at the memorial.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA and Ballymena Councillor Rodney Quigley had made a public appeal for information following the theft.

Cross-community cooperation recognised

Mr Burrows said he was particularly pleased that people had worked across the community following that appeal to help achieve a positive outcome.

He said:

“I want to acknowledge the cross-community work which took place following that appeal and which helped bring about this positive outcome. That cooperation is something which should be recognised and appreciated.”

Mr Burrows said the priority from the outset had simply been to recover the flags and return them to the Memorial Association.

“When Rodney Quigley and I made a public appeal following their theft, our priority was simply to see the flags returned to where they belong,” he said.

The Somme Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of local men who served during the First World War, giving the flags particular significance to the Memorial Association and many people locally.

Mr Burrows said their theft had caused “understandable hurt and disappointment”, adding that he was delighted the incident had ended with their safe return.

“This is a welcome result for the Memorial Association and for everyone in Ballymena who values the memorial and the history it represents,” he said.

Flagpole repairs under way

While the flags are safely back with the Memorial Association, they have not yet returned to their position at the Queen Street memorial.

Councillor Quigley confirmed that repairs to the flagpole are continuing and thanked those who had assisted with recovering the flags.

He said:

“I’d just like to thank Jon, on behalf of the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Memorial Association, for his help in retrieving the flags, and also those in Londonderry who assisted.

“These flags should offend nobody, and it is great to have them back.”

The next step will be returning the flags to the memorial once the necessary work has been completed.

Councillor Quigley added:

“Work to repair the flagpole is ongoing, and the flags will be returned to the Queen Street memorial as soon as possible.”

For the Memorial Association, the recovery brings the theft to a positive conclusion. The remaining task is now a practical one — completing the repairs needed so the flags can once again take their place at the Ballymena memorial.