VIDEO: Demolition spells end of an era for Harryville

The Church of Our Lady in Harryville which is being demolished today (Thursday).

Its distinctive architecture made it a special feature in Ballymena and its loss to the landscape on Thursday marks the end of an era for the south of the town.

Renowned for being the scene of loyalist protests and a frequent target for sectarian vandalism, the building, which was built in the Sixties, became structurally unsafe in recent years and was taken out of use in February, 2012, for health and safety reasons.

The chapel was closed on a permanent basis a few months ago by the parish authorities due to structural damage which would have cost too much to repair.

SDLP Councillor for Ballymena South Declan O’Loan said he was saddened to see the demolition.

“It made a big impression when I saw just how quickly the building could be pulled down,” he said.