Individual Post

POSTED By : DESTINATION NEWRY
Post Date : 24 Oct 2016 09:36 AM
Kearney condemns criminal damage at newly opened Dunsilly GAA centre

 Sinn Féin’s South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney has condemned recent criminal damage at the Dunsilly GAA Centre of Excellence in Antrim - within days of its official opening.

In the week following the official opening of the site at Dunsilly, local GAA officials discovered that perimeter fencing had been ripped open with bolt cutters.

Mr Kearney said;

“Just one week ago, I joined with other County Antrim Gaels in celebrating the official opening of this flagship facility at Dunsilly, and watched as hundreds of young gaelic players lined out for their first experience of our county’s new centre of excellence.

“I am therefore bitterly disappointed that the centre has already fallen victim to opportunist criminals. It is not clear what their intentions were, but the damage they have caused is significant and is a terrible blow to those who have struggled over many years to see this ‘field of dreams’ realised.

“The use of bolt cutters indicates premeditation and planning by those involved. While damage was limited to the perimeter fencing on this occasion, I am concerned that the perpetrators may well have been preparing for an even more sinister incursion at a later date.

“It is clear from the points of access that they have entered the site from the adjacent railway line. I intend therefore to speak with NIR to explore what can be done to secure the line and mitigate the risk of further unlawful incursions at the GAA facilities.

“I also intend to follow up with the PSNI to ensure that they are doing everything possible to apprehend the people responsible. I would appeal to the general public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity directly to the police."