Gardaí are investigating a spate of offensive graffiti along the N17 between Claregalway and the Mayo border which appears to have targeted a businesswoman in Galway. Much of the graffiti, sprayed with a black aerosol, had been removed yesterday. However, some script was still visible on local authority signage on the road, which is one of the busiest in Co Galway.
The woman, identified in the script, told RTÉ Radio's Liveline yesterday she was shocked and upset, and understood there may have been witnesses to the damage.
As the spelling of her name is unusual, she believed the perpetrator was someone who knew her well enough to spell it correctly and who was aware that she travelled that road to work from her home in Claremorris, Co Mayo. The woman runs a business in Galway with her sister.
Pubs, houses, billboards and road signs were targeted on the route, with first reports of the damage being made on Wednesday morning.
Geraldine Maloney of the Anbally Inn in Cummer, Co Galway, said that the gable of their premises had been defaced. "We had to paint it out as it was quite shocking, but we will have to have the whole wall painted now," Mrs Maloney said. "This is a very busy road, and I feel very sorry for the girl named in this, as nobody deserves that."
The culprit or culprits could face prosecution for defacing property, both State-owned and private. Gardaí in Tuam are appealing for witnesses to assist them. Tuam Garda station can be contacted at 093-24202.
