Moyola rocked by pavillion arson
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Moyola Football Club Committee member and Ladies football coach Jillian Lennox surveys the damage caused to the club’s pavilion.
A fire that destroyed the Pavillion at Moyola football Club has made the Club's Chairman, "Sick to the teeth".
Robin Martin yesterday surveyed the damage after Monday night's fire destroyed the facility which housed the club's changing rooms and equipment store.
Mr Martin, who also coaches one of the club's youth teams, said: "The whole place was gutted. The flames (were) coming out of it. It was unbelievable. There's nothing in it to salvage."
The blaze, which police are treating as suspicious was brought to the attention of the fire brigade at approximately 11pm on Monday night, but by the time they arrived there was nothing that could be done to save the wooden structure.
Club Committee members believe the fire was started deliberately, but are at a loss to understand why they would be a target for arson.
Mr. Martin added: "It would really sicken you when you have a club that involves so many members of the community working hard to help the club build for the future, and this happens. It would make you sick to the teeth."
Club Secretary, Raymond Loughry told the media:
“This is the saddest day I can recall in the many number of years I have been involved with the club. It beggars belief that some people should feel the need to do something like this."
Local MLA's were quick to express their sympathies with the club, and condemn those involved in the attack.
Mid Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong said: "Moyola Park Football Club, in existence since 1880, has been central to the community and town of Castledawson for generations and even today provides the opportunity for children of all ages to take up and develop their interests in sport.
“Last night's fire highlights the resolve of this close-knit community who are now rallying behind the club in support and if this proves to be an arson attack, then it only serves to further alienate those in our society who are not moving forward into a better future, both on the sporting field and in our local communities." DUP MLA for Mid Ulster Ian McCrea said:
“I totally condemn this attack on Moyola Football Club, it is regrettable that someone would maliciously attack a football club in this way.
“I was at the scene today and I saw at the destruction of the club's facilities and it saddens me to think that someone would want to destroy something that has such a positive impact on community life and especially so amongst the young people of Castledawson and surrounding areas. Those responsible must be brought to justice."
