Damage to East Belfast GAA's goals treated as a 'hate crime'
August 31, 2023
East Belfast GAA
The PSNI are treating fire damage to East Belfast GAA’s recently-erected goalposts and netting as a ‘hate crime’.
The goals at Henry Jones Playing Fields on the Church Road in the Castlereagh area were targeted by arsonists sometime between Monday and Wednesday morning. Founded in 2020 in what is a traditionally unionist area, East Belfast GAA is using the playing fields while it seeks a permanent home.
Earlier this year, a security alert forced the closure of the pitches for a period as police investigated claims devices had been left in the area.
SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite told ITV: “This is the latest in a growing catalogue of attempts to intimidate and bully the members of East Belfast GAA.
"Those responsible need to understand that this club and its members are a growing part of our community – they are here to stay and they’re going to keep offering a positive, outward looking experience for anyone who wants to get involved.
“The people behind this latest attack need to wise up.”
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