THE ORANGE Order has launched a probe into a social media video allegedly showing a group singing and mocking the 2011 murder of Irish language teacher Michaela McAreavey.
The footage has been condemned as “appalling” by Ireland’s leader Michael Martin and two of the men involved have already released an apology.
Belfast Club Linfield FC have also sacked a volunteer coach due to his involvement in the clip, while Northern Ireland politicians from the main parties have joined the chorus of criticism.
The footage, seen by The National, shows a rowdy room festooned with Union flag bunting, long tables packed with people and covered in cans of beer.
The location of the event has not yet been established, however, Orange Order paintings can be seen in the background of the footage and it is understood the gathering was livestreamed on Facebook.
McAreavey, from County Tyrone and daughter of Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte, was killed aged 27 while on honeymoon in Mauritius, just 10 days after her wedding.
Her murderer has never been caught or convicted, despite her widower John’s campaign to bring the family justice.
Sinn Féin's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said she has spoken to McAreavey "to offer solidarity to both the McAreavey and Harte families".
She added: "Hate and sectarianism have no place in our society. People deserve better. Love over hate will always win out.”
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the video was "vile" and “deeply hurtful” to the McAreavey family, while Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie described the footage as "absolutely abhorrent, disgusting and shameful".
Taoiseach Martin told reporters at a press conference in Dublin that he was “appalled and horrified” by the footage.
He said: “We all remember that horrific murder of Michaela McAreavey. It’s beyond comprehension that people could behave in that manner, and to be so indifferent to the trauma of that the family suffered and in the entire community.
“I think it speaks to a sectarianism and the degree of malice and hate in society that needs to be dealt with, and those involved in should apologise, in the first instance, and those involved should reflect strongly on that.
“It’s just beyond comprehension, and shocking.”
A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said the institution condemned the content of the video "without reservation".
They said: "The behaviour of those involved and their actions have no place in our society and certainly do not reflect the ethos of our organisation.
"If any of those involved are found to be members of the Institution, they will face disciplinary proceedings."
Meanwhile, Linfield FC sacked one of its coaches who they said “can clearly be identified” in the video.
The club said that they wanted to “disassociate themselves completely” with the “offensive, sickening and deeply hurtful and insulting chanting”, adding that the coach had been terminated with “immediate effect”.
Two men who were also identified in the footage released a statement and apology through the Press Association.
John Bell and Andrew McDade said it was a “matter of deep shame and regret” to have been involved in broadcasting and singing about McAreavey’s murder.
They said: “This Facebook live video was not streamed with the intent of broadcasting any offensive chants whatsoever, rather it was generally broadcasting from the room.
“However, whether broadcast or not, the relevant chants should never have been sung either in public or private.
“We offer our sincerest and deepest apology to the Harte and McAreavey families, and indeed to wider society for our actions which whilst fuelled by alcohol, can neither be mitigated or excused in any shape or form.
“Our apology is unequivocal, and our acceptance of wrongdoing is absolute.”
