16-06-2025
GAA club fury after charity bin looted in broad daylight
A GAA club in Monaghan have shared their disappointment after empty bottles and cans intended for fundraising were stolen from their premises.
Éire Óg GAA club in Smithborough had been collecting recyclable containers through the Re-Turn scheme, with all proceeds earmarked for their juvenile teams.
Members and supporters had been depositing bottles and cans into specially marked bins around the club grounds as part of the initiative. A GAA club in Monaghan have shared their disappointment after empty bottles and cans intended for fundraising were stolen from their premises. Pic: Éire Óg Na Mullai
However, on Thursday, June 5th at around 1pm, those efforts were undermined when the bins were emptied in what the club has described as a deliberate theft.
In a statement, the club said: 'We were deeply disappointed to discover the theft of our bottle return bins, which were part of a fundraising drive to support our juvenile teams. Members and supporters had been depositing bottles and cans into specially marked bins around the club grounds as part of the initiative. Pic: Éire Óg Na Mullai
'The bins were clearly marked and placed throughout our grounds to collect recyclable bottles, with all funds going directly to the juvenile fund.'
Footage from the club's CCTV system shows a man using a key to open the bins and load the contents into his car. The estimated value of the stolen containers is around €200. The club to social media to ask for help in identifying the man. Pic: Éire Óg Na Mullai
Sharing the video on social media, the club wrote: 'A few weeks ago, we installed four bottle return bins to help raise much-needed funds for our juveniles.
'Unfortunately, as seen in the video, this gentleman decided he was entitled to help himself. If anyone recognises him, please message the page – he owes us a donation.'
