Doochary residents slam "despicable" act of vandalism

Villagers in Doochary woke up this morning to see that one of their much-loved murals has been vandalised.

The work by local artist Andrea Redmond depicts a much-loved former resident Joey Ward and his donkey. The thug(s) who defaced the portrait sprayed black paint over his face.

This and several other murals in the west Donegal village are part of an ongoing programme organised by Doochary Development and the local Tidy Towns committee to improve and enhance derelict buildings and disused sites to bright up the appearance of the area.

A spokesperson said: "What a despicable act! More than likely a coward under the cover of darkness. We are shocked and saddened. Noting but love was poured into the making of this mural and to see it defaced is heartbreaking. It's so disrespectful to the person in the mural who is so longer with us. A shameful act! The gardaí have been informed."

Another local summed up the feelings of everyone in the locality.

"It’s a very sad day when someone would stoop so low as to deface a painting of someone no longer here and who was loved by so many. What sort of lowlife does that?
"I hope you are found and shamed this was a dreadful thing to do and for what reason? Be aware the gardaí will be informed and action will be taken."