Liam Tunney
Today at 17:16
A suspected arson attack on a west Belfast GAA club was an example of “reckless stupidity”, a Sinn Féin councillor has said.
Damage was sustained to a club shop and scoreboard at Lámh Dhearg CLG in Hannahstown, on the outskirts of Belfast on Saturday evening.
Photographs taken during the incident appear to show the shop engulfed in flames.
The incident comes just hours before the GAA club were set to begin their annual summer camp on the premises.
It is understood the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the incident.
In a statement released following the fire, Lámh Dhearg CLG said they were “deeply concerned”.
"As our club makes preparations for hosting a wide range of kids camps and championship games over the summer period our club facilities have been deliberately targeted this weekend,” said a spokesperson.
"Our club shop, scoreboard and Pitch in Patrons signage board which celebrated the recent opening of our new pitch were all destroyed in a fire.
“The club has made great efforts in recent years to improve our club facilities for our members and local community and are deeply concerned by this act of vandalism at a time when our facilities are needed the most.
"This event has made us more determined to make good the damage and to continue to provide the best facilities for the benefit of so many in our community.”
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Councillor Alder Carson, who posted pictures from the incident to his Facebook page, said the incident should be “condemned without reservation”.
"Lámh Dhearg supported by it members and the local community work relentlessly to provide top class facilities and services that give hope and opportunity to young and old alike,” he said.
"This is an attack on everyone of them.
“Lighting any fire in in the open air in this weather beggars belief but this is a different level of reckless stupidity.
“Anyone who has any information should bring it forward so that those responsible can be brought to account.”
The PSNI has been approached for comment.
by Prestigious_Side6964
5 comments
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Maliciously started fires are an issue within certain areas within broader west belfast, usually derelict or dilapidated buildings bear the brunt.
According to a deeper dive into the issue re instances of malicious arson within the broader west belfast area..
>Key Observations (2022-2025) relating to instances of arson within the broader west belfast area
>Derelict Properties: A significant number of reported arson incidents in the wider West Belfast area involve derelict buildings. These sites are often targets for deliberate fires, posing a risk to surrounding properties and the community.
>Anti-Social Behavior: Arson is frequently linked to broader patterns of anti-social behavior, particularly during holiday periods and periods of dry weather.
>Vehicle Arson: Reports also highlight instances of vehicle arson in the area, which contributes to the overall statistics for deliberate fires.
>Police and Community Response: The PSNI, alongside the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and local community representatives, regularly address the issue of arson. This includes public warnings, increased patrols in hotspot areas, and initiatives aimed at tackling anti-social behavior.
Challenges in Obtaining Specific Data:
>While precise figures for aren’t publicly available, reports from the last few years suggest that arson, often connected to derelict properties and anti-social behavior, continues to be a concern in the broader West Belfast area. It is a recurring issue that emergency services and community leaders are actively working to address.
Wayward youths from the area playing with fire, probably?
It’s for the police to determine.
On the basis of the broader overview – more needs to be done to keep younger people at risk of falling into antisocial behavior – out of bother during the summer months.
Edit . To be clear. I’m NOT getting at West Belfast. It’s like any other area. Good / bad bits / elements. On the basis of statistics – parts of It grapple with arson issues (relative to the broader city). The above incident fits that trend. Another poster has said similar re the grounds backing onto an area used by local youths to swim in and use as a drinking spot.
Arson is a serious crime, someone could have been hurt or killed.
West Belfast wrecking their own area again. Somehow it’s all the Brits fault though
Holy fuck how are lads defending this? Gone fuck up and listen to yourselves.
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