GAA club 'disgusted' after shop and scoreboard damaged in suspected arson attack
The fire, which the PSNI say was started "deliberately" at around 6.20pm on Saturday, caused "extensive damage" to the club shop, signage and a digital scoreboard at Lámh Dhearg GAC in Hannahstown, Co Antrim.
Images taken during the incident show the shop engulfed in flames.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and "confirmed that the fire had been started deliberately," PSNI Inspector Dalton said in a statement.
"It's absolutely unacceptable that a community organisation should be targeted in this way," he added.
'Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the club, particularly those who may have relevant dashcam or other footage, to contact us.
"The number to quote is 803 13/07/25. You can also report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report , or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org//"
Lámh Dhearg said the incident happened as the club were set begin hosting their annual summer camp on the premises.
'As our club makes preparations for hosting a wide range of kids camps and championship games over the summer period our club facilities have been deliberately targeted this weekend," a club official said in a statement.
"Our club shop, scoreboard and Pitch in Patrons signage board which celebrated the recent opening of our new pitch were all destroyed in a fire.
'The club has made great efforts in recent years to improve our club facilities for our members and local community and are deeply concerned by this act of vandalism at a time when our facilities are needed the most.
"This event has made us more determined to make good the damage and to continue to provide the best facilities for the benefit of so many in our community.'
Local councilor Arder Carson condemned those behind the "pure act of deliberate vandalism" as he urged anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact the authorities.
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"A pure act of deliberate vandalism that fills you with despair, attacking the very organisation that provides so much for young people and the entire community," the Sinn Féin councillor said in a statement.
"It has to be condemned without reservation. Lámh Dhearg supported by it members and the local community work relentlessly to provide top class facilities and services that give hope and opportunity to young and old alike. This is an attack on everyone of them.
"Lighting any fire in in the open air in this weather beggars belief but this is a different level of reckless stupidity.
"Anyone who has any information should bring it forward so that those responsible can be brought to account."
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