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Gardai probe QPS arson attack
20.01.10
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
GARDAI have appealed for information after vandals
caused thousands of euro worth of damage in a fire
at Quigley’s Point Swifts Football Club.
The club’s mobile home office, in Ardmore, Muff was
completely destroyed by the malicious blaze, which
broke out between 2am and 3am in the early hours of
Thursday morning.
A fire crew from Crescent Link in Derry was quickly
on the scene but the club’s mobile headquarters and
much of their youth equipment was already destroyed. |
Speaking to the
Inishowen Independent, Quigley’s Point Swifts PRO,
Terence Hegarty, said it was an attack on the entire
community.
“The club belongs to the community so this was an
attack on everyone in the area, not just our
members,” he said.
The fire melted the club’s fun football equipment,
which had been securely locked in a steel container
at the premises. As a result Quigley’s Point have
had to postpone Fun Football sessions until
Saturday, January 31.
“The young people of Quigley’s Point and Muff have
been particularly hurt by this wanton act of
vandalism,” Terence said.
“It was with horror and disbelief that we discovered
what happened on Thursday morning. |
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Much of the youth
football equipment such as rigs, balls, cones, nets
and bibs was completely destroyed.
“The parents and kids themselves raised the money
for much of these items, so it is extremely
disappointing.”
Terence said that the club would not be deterred in
their work by a small number of individuals.
“We will rally together as a club to get over this.
We may go to the Credit Union for a loan but we will
be back to normal as soon as possible. No doubt
parents of the kids will raise some more money too."
The club PRO added: “Why anyone would do this is
beyond me. One only has to look at the new
facilities being provided for the community to see
the effort and time that has been put into the club.
It beggars belief that there are people out there
who would want to destroy that.”
A Garda spokesperson said that the investigation
into the blaze was ongoing with house-to-house
inquires continuing. The spokesperson appealed for
any witnesses to contact Muff Garda Station on 07493
84002. |
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