'People have been absolutely great': Community rally behind Cork soccer club after arson attack  

An arson attack on the facilities of a Cork soccer club has been described as “disgraceful” by junior sport minister Thomas Byrne, who described those who carried out the attack as “lunatics.”

Glenthorn Celtic FC, in the Ballyvolane and Dublin Hill area, was devastated after an arson attack on June 30 which destroyed its dressing room, all its gear, and training equipment. However, the club has said they are turning “huge negatives into huge positives” with the support of their local community.

Following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the club get back on its feet, with a target of €40,000 to cover the cost of damages.

Speaking to The Echo, club secretary John Murphy said that while this was a devastating blow, neighbouring communities, other soccer clubs and local businesses have rallied together for them since the incident.

“Morale is very good,” he said. “People have been absolutely great.”

Mr Murphy said €1,300 worth of new equipment has been donated to the club by Rockmount AFC and a new storage container, donated by SeaBox, will be delivered to the club in the coming days.

“With this new container we now have a safe and secure storage facility, and in the coming days we’re due to meet with the VEC to discuss new modern dressing rooms.

“We’re coming close to having our football needs met but any funds that do come in will be used for grounds, electrical and water works for the new dressing rooms when they arrive. We’re turning huge negatives into huge positives,” he said.

Mr Byrne said: “It’s not the first time it’s happened [arson attacks].

“I’ve seen it before in other areas too. It must be soul destroying for them,” he added.

“The effort that people put in, the pride that people have in their clubs, to see some lunatics come along and not only attempt to but succeed in destroying it — it’s just disgraceful.

“We have the Sports Capital Fund, which is at record levels, and I would certainly hope that this club will have applied for funding under this.”

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána said that investigations into the incident are still ongoing. 

• To donate to the fund, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/glenthorn-celtic-new-equipment-and-dressing-rooms.