‘A devastating blow’: GoFundMe launched to support Cork soccer club following arson attack

A northside soccer club has been left reeling following an arson attack which destroyed its dressing room and all of its gear and training equipment.

Glenthorn Celtic FC, based in the Ballyvolane and Dublin Hill area, has raised thousands of euro over the years for local charities, but the club has now had to launch its own GoFundMe campaign to help it get back on its feet after such a “devastating blow”.

The vandalism occurred on Sunday night, June 30, and a Garda investigation is underway.

“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 club wrote on its GoFundMe page.

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

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

Glenthorn Celtic FC said that funds raised will be used to remove the now destroyed dressing room and will be put towards constructing a new facility as well as replacing all the gear and equipment that was lost.

Speaking to The Echo, secretary of the club John Murphy said the club has been left without so much as a water bottle to its name following the incident.

“It’s devastating really. We’re a small club and literally everything we possessed for the teams was in the one cabin which is now destroyed so we’re left with nothing, not even a water bottle.

“The new season isn’t far away from beginning so we’re literally starting from scratch,” he said.

“Over the years, off our own initiative just to do something positive, we fundraised for Pieta, Marymount, Street Angels, Saint Vincent de Paul – we’ve raised thousands.

“We never thought we’d find ourselves in a position where we need help.” 

 Independent Ireland councillor Ken O’Flynn described the club as a “paragon when it comes to doing charity work for others”.

Mr O’Flynn said the ASD soccer evenings at the club had proved hugely successful, with parents coming from as far as Dunmanway to bring their children.

Mr O’Flynn said he strongly condemned the arson attack.

He said he has raised the matter with officials in Cork City Council in an attempt to secure funding.

“I’m also reaching out to my fellow councillors to assist me in ward funds to help, as well as promoting the GoFundMe,” he told The Echo.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the incident on June 30 is ongoing.

“Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred on the grounds of an educational premises in Dublin Hill, Cork.

“Emergency services were alerted to a portable building on fire at approximately 10:30pm on Sunday, 30th June 2024.

“The fire was extinguished by local fire services a short time later. No injuries were reported.

“Investigations are ongoing.” 

The GoFundMe page can be found here.