‘Mindless’ attack on Treaty Stone

LIMERICK city’s Treaty Stone has been targeted by vandals who covered the landmark in blue paint – in a ‘mindless’ attack that has sparked widespread condemnation.

Now a specialist is being brought in to inspect the stone for damage as gardaí scour CCTV footage for the culprits.

Damage to the 325-year-old block – which has sat on a pedestal since 1865 at the Clare end of Thomond Bridge – was spotted yesterday by maintenance worker Dermot McNamara. He said: ‘It’s awful to see it like that.’ Limerick Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon, condemned the paint attack. The Fianna Fáil councillor said: ‘This is mindless, wanton thuggery. Who would want to deface any property, let alone one of the iconic symbols of Limerick?

‘Whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves. Their actions impact on everyone and on Limerick. These types of actions have got to be stamped out.’

Volunteers with Limerick Civic Trust along with crews from Limerick City and County Council arrived at the scene

‘Shameful damage to our memorial’

shortly after 9am yesterday to begin cleaning the monument.

A council spokesman said: ‘A waterbased paint, possibly art paint from a tube, was daubed all over the monument.

‘From initial investigation there is no lasting damage. Street cleansing crews are power-hosing down the monument.

‘It appears the damp weather last night meant the paint didn’t adhere to the stone. A specialist will examine the stone as a precaution.’

The Treaty of Limerick was signed on the block of limestone on October 3, 1691. It ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange, and concluded the Siege of Limerick.

Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan criticised the act of vandalism yesterday. ‘Shameful damage to our historic memorial. Someone knows who did this. Let’s hope they are brought to account,’ he tweeted.