THE quick actions of west Belfast residents helped prevent "significant damage" to the construction of a new £1.5 million GAA facility.
An "anti-social element" has been blamed for starting the fire with building supplies at the site for Davitts GAC's clubhouse project in the Beechmount area.
The building is to be a sport and cultural hub for the community.
A club spokesman praised efforts to halt the blaze, which was started at around 9pm on Friday.
"Last night an anti-social element within our community gained access to the site of our new pitch and associated facilities," he said.
"With disregard to our whole community these thugs started a fire adjacent to the changing room block.
"Local residents were alerted and contacted the fire service immediately.
"The quick actions of the St Mary's residents and the fire service ensured that no significant damage occurred."
The club said it had been "an attack on the whole community" and urged parents to stop their children getting involved in such behaviour.
