Illiam Dhone: Vandals Strike In The Wrong Place

There has been an act of vandalism near the execution site of Manx martyr Illiam Dhone just outside Castletown, Isle of Man.

A ruined structure which post-dates the Dhone execution at the site at Hango Hill has been daubed with obscene graffiti. In addition walls and a roadway nearby have also been targeted.

It is unclear if the vandalism is anti-nationalist but given that the actions occurred just days before Manx nationalist gather at the site to commemorate the execution of Illiam Dhone it seems deliberately timed.

Unlike when anti-colonial slogans were daubed around the Isle of Man two years ago the police and media have been very low-key over the event. The vandalism was reported on internet web forums for days before any acknowledgement from the police or any report in the media.

Police are reported to have a presence at the Hill to deter any further attacks but it seems highly unlikely that the perpetrators will strike again so it's a case of `locked stable doors'.

The Isle of Mans English Police Chief who was very vocal in the past, threatening dire consequence, when pro-independence slogans were daubed around the Island has been strangely silent about the matter.

If the slogan-daubing is anti-nationalist it marks a new twist in political agitation in Mann. It also shows a degree of ignorance over Manx history and the death of the Martyr as the ruined structure targeted was constructed over a 100 years after the death of Illiam Dhone.

(Article compiled by Bernard Moffatt, DOI, for Celtic News).

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29/12/11