Horror as Halloween display vandalised

Displays have since been repaired and reinstated. Belturbet Halloween Festival takes place November 1.

There was widespread disappointment in Belturbet after Halloween scarecrow displays, created by local families and volunteers, were deliberately vandalised.

The decorations, lovingly made to promote the town’s Halloween Festival, were found torn and destroyed just days before the celebrations take place.

The festival, organised by Discover Belturbet, includes a fancy dress competition on November 1 and events at local venues such as The Widow’s Bar. Activities are being promoted on platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook, with local businesses hosting Halloween-themed events and encouraging early bookings.

Independent Councillor Brendan Fay, a committee member of Discover Belturbet, expressed his outrage: “I am totally disgusted and outraged that the scarecrows and Halloween displays our community worked so hard to create- especially John Hoyne, who put in tireless effort- were vandalised and destroyed.

“This was a vile and cowardly act. These scarecrows weren’t just decorations. They were made with love, pride, and creativity by families, children, and volunteers. To tear them down is shameful.”

Despite the setback, Councillor Fay emphasised the strength and resilience of the Belturbet community: “Let it be clear: while a few nasty people tried to destroy what we built, they will never destroy our spirit.

“Our community is stronger, prouder, and more united than any act of vandalism. We will rebuild, we will celebrate, and we will continue to fill our town with colour, joy, and togetherness.

Kindness and community will always triumph over such acts of jealousy and destruction.”

Despite the set back the Halloween Festival will continue as planned and the displays have since been repaired and reinstated.