Two youths arrested following incident at Ballincollig sportsground

Two youths have been arrested following what the garda press office described as “an incident of criminal damage at a sportsground in Ballincollig” on Thursday.

It is understood that pitches at both Ballincollig GAA Club and Ballincollig AFC were damaged in incidents which occurred on Thursday afternoon.

Ballincollig GAA Club said on social media that the club received “such wonderful support from the Ballincollig community and volunteers” and said the incident had left the club “disappointed and disillusioned”.

The club thanked local people who had alerted the gardaí, and it thanked gardaí for their swift response, adding “let’s continue to look after each other”.

In a statement on social media, Ballincollig AFC similarly thanked the club’s neighbours and praised what it called “the efficient response from An Garda Síochána”.

Sinn Féin local election candidate in Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, described what had occurred as “an utter disgrace”.

“Both clubs do incredible work with young people in Ballincollig and ... I extend my solidarity to the hard-working, dedicated volunteers and members of both clubs,” Mr Lynch said.

The incident occurred days after Ballincollig AFC secured a lease on its grounds, after over two decades of uncertainty.

The garda press office said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a sportsground in Ballincollig, Co. Cork on April 11, 2024, at approximately 5pm.

“Two male youths were arrested at the scene. Investigations are ongoing.

“There is no further information available at this time.”