Vandalism at pitches used by East Belfast GAA has been described as “disgraceful” as police investigate the incident as a hate crime.
Oil was poured at goal mouths of the pitch at Henry Jones Playing Fields in the Castlereagh area sometime from the evening of December 12.
A PSNI spokesperson said the incident was being treated as a hate crime, adding: “Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting reference 1110 of 13/12/23.”
The incident follows posts and netting at the pitches being damaged in an arson attack in July.
Last month also saw stickers being posted in the east Belfast area with the words “GAA not welcome in east Belfast”.
East Belfast GAA was founded in 2020 and has around 600 members.
Green Party councillor for the Ormiston area, Anthony Flynn, condemned the latest incident targeting the club.
East Belfast GAA have delivered so much positive change for East Belfast through sport and skills for young people. Eejits who continue to terrorise them & their own community contribute nothing to the area. Anyone with any information, please contact the PSNI https://t.co/VvefOFFqL3
— Cllr Anthony Flynn (@AntoFlynnser) December 14, 2023
He said the club had “delivered so much positive change for east Belfast through sport and skills for young people”.
Mr Flynn added in a X social media post that those behind the vandalism were “eejits who continue to terrorise them and their own community”.
Read more:
‘GAA not welcome in east Belfast’ - Stickers condemned as GAA branded ‘IRA scum
East Belfast GAA club’s goalposts torched by arsonists
East Belfast school cancels GAA ‘taster’ session after intimidation
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said in a post: “Have these idiots nothing better to be doing? Have they not accepted that every elected party in East Belfast has accepted the diversity of sport at Henry Jones? That includes the GAA. Move on. Get over yourself.”
Alliance councillor Michael Long said in a statement: “I stand by East Belfast GAA after this latest hate-filled incident and I call on all parties to do the same.
“This is sadly not the first time the club has been targeted. It is beyond tiresome that a club just wanting to play sport and contribute positively to the local community once again faces this bigotry and hatred.
“I call on anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”
Sinn Féin MLA and former Stormont communities minister Deirdre Hargey said the incident was “disgusting”.
“All sporting organisations must stand together against these reckless attacks on these pitches and the clear attempt to stop the growth of Gaelic games in this area. It must stop,” she said.
Meanwhile, UUP leader Doug Beattie called the incident “disgraceful” in a X post.
“I have visited East Belfast GAA. They just want to play sport. Leave them alone and let them enjoy it,” he said.
