‘Mindless vandalism’ leaves football club in Cork without changing rooms and equipment

“On Sunday night the 30th of June we had a devastating fire in which we lost our dressing room in an act of vandalism and all of the equipment inside,” the GoFundMe page from the club said.

Destroyed equipment included all match gear, match balls, training equipment and all pitch maintenance equipment.

“This has come as a devastating blow to our club and the community around us as we are now unable to hold any training and matches.

“The pitch and dressing rooms were also used by the two schools Scoil Oilibheir and St Aidans, who have now also lost access and use of these facilities.

We have also had to stop our ASD soccer evenings, where children with autism were able to come up and play soccer in a safe and fun environment.

The funds raised will be used to remove the now-destroyed dressing room, to replace all destroyed equipment and to help build a new dressing room. The football club has been serving the Ballyvolane and Dublin Hill communities for some 27 years.

Labour councillor John Maher said that such “mindless vandalism” was completely unacceptable. “A club has no home now because its home was burned down,” he said.

“The schools that use it are on holidays at least. But it has teams for children with autism and special needs. And it will disrupt the leagues, matches will have to be cancelled with visiting teams.”

Mr Meagher is now urging Cork City Council’s Sports Committee to provide emergency funding to help the club reopen. He has also donated to the GoFundMe campaign.

“This is an important community resource. There is no excuse for burning this club’s home to the ground.

“An astroturf in Mayfield was also burned. Not as much damage was done there as at Glenthorn but it’s still mindless vandalism at a club that provides a great space to so many people.

“I would ask people to cop on.” 

A lack of community police in the area was allowing these arson attacks to take place, he said.

“I know gardaí can’t be everywhere but you don’t see them anywhere here. It’s not the fault of gardaí on the ground. But the lack of policing is something garda management should now have to accept.”  

No arrests have been made but gardaí continue to investigate the incident.

“Emergency services were alerted to a portable building on fire at approximately 10.30pm on Sunday, 30th June,” a statement from gardaí said.

To donate, go to fundraiser started by Lorcan Owens, Glenthorn Celtic New Equipment and Dressing Rooms.