Northside clubs gutted by ‘despicable’ arson attack

ARSONISTS went on a rampage in Dublin 15 last week leaving three devastated soccer clubs without dressing rooms or training equipment.

The vindictive thugs went to extreme lengths to gain access to storage containers in Hartstown Park used by Whitestown United, Phibsboro Celtic and the Hartstown/Huntstown soccer team.

Thousands of euros worth of equipment was reduced to cinders after the arson attack, which took place on Saturday night, June 9.

Con Maguire of Pinebrook Celtic said everything the club owned was destroyed in the fire.

“All our nets, training balls, training gear, and cones are gone,

? he said.

“To go to the pitch and find everything we owned smouldering was absolutely gutting.

“We’re going to have to start from scratch now and try to fundraise and get sponsorship because we certainly don’t have the money to replace what we’ve lost.

?

Mr Maguire struggled to understand the motivation behind the arson attacks.

“It’s absolutely mindless and so vindictive to think they even brought angle grinders so they could break into the containers before setting them on fire.

?

According to Mr Maguire, it’s a

“sorry state of affairs

? when the coaches of sports clubs have to bring their training gear home for safekeeping.

Eddie Heffernan, the chairman of Whitestown United, described how their container, which had been fitted with two dressing rooms, was completely gutted.

“We have a team coming down from Drogheda to play our ladies’ team,

? he told Northside People.

“We’re more than embarrassed that these players will now have to change at the side of the pitch before and after the will have to ask the away team to change before they take the bus down here.

?

A brand new set of goals worth e2,500 was also among the items destroyed in the fire.

“Nothing can be salvaged,

? Mr Heffernan said.

“We’d be lucky if we got a few bob for scrappage of the container now at this stage.

?

Whitestown United has almost 80 members in its youth, senior, male and female teams.

The arson attack has crippled the club.

“They have us in the gutter financially because there’s no way we can afford to replace what we’ve lost,

? the club chairman explained.

“We’re scared out of our wits that even if we do manage to replace some of our equipment we’ll be targeted again.

?

Deputy Patrick Nulty (Lab) described the arson attack as

“disgraceful and senseless

?.

“I visited the scene last week and I have to say I am shocked and disgusted by this act of vandalism,

? he stated.

“It is devastating for people who give their time on a voluntary basis in all weathers to encourage girls and boys to play sport and stay active to fall victim to such a dreadful act of vandalism.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything about who might have carried out this appalling act to speak to the gardai.

?

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council described the arson attack as

“despicable

?.

“The council is aware of the recent despicable damage caused to containers in Hartstown Park, and is committed to working with the clubs affected to repair, improve or replace storage facilities as necessary within current resources,

? she stated.

“The council has an excellent working relationship with the clubs using Hartstown Park, and we have formed a joint committee to manage the newly completed all-weather pitch. The relocation of the storage containers will be examined as an option in conjunction with the management of this new facility.

?