VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after breaking into a Co Down GAA club.
Youths entered the grounds of St Paul’s GAC in Holywood on Sunday at around 10.15pm and smashed windows and cut goal netting.
Another window with a plastic pane had a hole burned through it with a lighter at the club’s Old Belfast Road grounds.
A card reader was also stolen during the break-in.
Absolutely gutted to see this criminal damage inflicted at McNamee Park, home to popular club St Paul's GAC Holywood @naomh_pol
— Andrew Muir MLA (@AndrewMuirNI) July 19, 2022
In touch with Club Chair to see what support can be given following incident.
Anyone with any information should contact the Police https://t.co/kvy2CtyTKZ
A club spokesperson told The Irish News: “Our coffee kiosk, which was recently built to serve to members and visitors, was badly damaged as a result of this mindless vandalism.
“The likely repair bill will be in the thousands of pounds range.
“Other sports clubs in the area – including those which have also been the target of vandalism – have been in touch to offer support.
“The community support has been uplifting all round.”
A PSNI spokesperson said enquiries into the break-in were continuing, adding: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area or noticed any suspicious activity around the GAA club or who may have dashcam footage which can assist us to contact 101 quoting reference number 968 18/07/22.”
