A CAMOGIE club have thanked the GAA community for their "unbelievable" support after an underage team had kit stolen during a trip to Croke Park.
Jerseys and belongings worth hundreds of pounds were taken from the Ballycastle under-16 team bus on Sunday while they watched the All-Ireland senior camogie final.
The girls had travelled to Dublin for a match against Faughs before going to Croke Park to see Kilkenny defeat Cork to lift the O'Duffy Cup.
Ballycastle club members launched an online appeal for help in locating their kit – and within days it was shared by hundreds of GAA fans.
WATCH: Wheelchair hurling team
Businesses in Dublin have now made several offers to replace the clothes and sliotars as well as cash donations to cover stolen items.
Coach and club member Una Kelly, who was on the trip to Dublin, said they were "heartened at the generosity and support".
"The girls were devastated. They were really disappointed after coming off the high of being in Croke Park and the business of playing with a Dublin club," she said.
"To think that somebody had done that on them, because they are so proud of their club and their jerseys. They were annoyed and upset."
But thanking people for their generosity, she added: "There have been hundreds of shares and messages of support for the girls.
"We are very grateful to each and every one who has helped with our campaign and so very heartened at the generosity and support from the wider GAA family."
A squad of 24 girls aged between 14 and 16 travelled to Dublin for the weekend trip.
The team bus had been parked close to Ballybough Community Centre when belongings were stolen from the boot.
Their black-and-amber playing kit, a navy sports bag containing a first aid kit, sliotars and some personal belongings were taken.
Ms Kelly, an under-14s coach and teacher at Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, said the gear was worth around £800.
The 45-year-old thanked those who had contributed to their appeal including independent Dublin councillor and former mayor Christy Burke.
Ronan Toner, who organises the under-16 team, described the generosity as "unprecedented and shows the GAA family at its best".
He said several businesses have offered to replace the lost balls, jerseys and medical kit, and one was donating €300.
Sharing the details on Facebook, he said: "We are absolutely floored and speechless with the generosity and kindness which we have received.
"We now look forward to everything being replaced. It has been unbelievable the level of support, well wishes and kind offers from Antrim, Dublin through to Tipperary.
"What could have been a horrible experience for our girls will now be a lovely memory of kindness and some day they will do the same for someone else because they know how nice it made them feel."
He added: "Good luck to the mighty Dubs on Sunday!"
WATCH: Outdoor bowls
