Local GAA club hit by “gut-wrenching” act of vandalism

A local GAA club has been left counting the cost after the main building at its grounds were significantly damaged by vandals at the weekend.

The shocking incident at Ballymore GAA Club's grounds occurred between late Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Substantial damage was caused to the main building which has rendered the toilet facilities unusable for the foreseeable future. The toilets and internal and external walls at the side of the building have been completely destroyed along with the main fuse board. At this stage the club is unable to determine the full extent of the damage or repair bill until it is fully assessed.

Club Secretary Edwina Geraghty said that the investigation is ongoing but that the incident is “gut-wrenching” for the club.

Ms Geraghty described the damage as “extensive” and said that “like every club, everyone works really hard."

“We have lovely facilities down there and then to see this just be destroyed in a couple of minutes, it's hard to stomach it.”

The club announced the news on social media and said that Ballymore GAA and Fr Daltons Hurling Club are made up of volunteers that “work tirelessly to develop and improve facilities for our members and the club community. It is so disheartening to see this damage caused which will now take up valuable time and money to put right.”

"Because of this, important championship games had to be moved out of our facility at a late stage Sunday morning.”

The club concluded: “We are determined not to let the acts of a few ruin the opportunities for many. We will continue, with your support, to develop the club and facilities despite these setbacks.”

Along with cancelling the championship match last Sunday they may also have to cancel an upcoming blitz scheduled for this Saturday.

The damage has been reported to Athlone Garda Station and is currently under investigation. The club's recently installed CCTV is currently being viewed also.

Anyone with any information should contact Athlone Garda Station on (090) 649 8550.