Belfast GAA club ‘extensively damaged' during weekend arson attack
A fire which caused 'extensive damage' to a west Belfast GAA club over the weekend was started deliberately.
Lámh Dhearg CLG on Upper Springfield Road was targeted in an arson attack on Saturday, July 12.
Firefighters attended the scene shortly after the blaze began at 6.20pm and have since determined it was deliberate. .
The PSNI also attended the scene.
'The fire, which we believe was started at around 6.20pm on Saturday 12th July, caused extensive damage to the club shop, signage and a digital scoreboard,' Inspector Dalton said.
"It's absolutely unacceptable that a community organisation should be targeted in this way.'
A Sinn Fein councillor condemned the 'reckless stupidity' of those responsible.
Arder Carson also posted pictures of the incident to his Facebook page which show the shop engulfed in flames.
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"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,' he wrote.
"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.'
In a statement Lámh Dhearg CLG said it was 'deeply concerned' by the attack which happened amid preparations to host a wide range of kids camps and championship games over the summer.
"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," it added.
'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.'
PSNI Inspector Dalton urged anyone with information to contact detectives.
'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,' they added.
"The number to quote is 803 13/07/25."
Online reports can also be made, alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously here or on 0800 555 111.
The fire in Hannahstown. Pic: Cllr Arder Carson
News in 90 Seconds - Monday July 14th
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