Friary Field vandalism a major setback after works
There was widespread criticism of vandals who drove on to the St. Dominic’s Schoolboys F.C pitch, following what has been a major investment to upgrade the playing field over the last few months.
A spokesman for the club contacted the Argus to highlight the damage which has been a ‘major setback’ to the club’s efforts.
‘ The Friary field, on which major redevelopment works have been undertaken by St. Dominic’s over the past three months, was badly damaged by the vehicle which drove through temporary fencing at the Mulholland Avenue end of the field.’
He explained that the incident occurred on the morning of Sunday November 20 at around 4.15a.m.
It was reported that a white saloon car drove through the temporary fencing onto the field, before driving around in circles on the pitch a number of times before exiting through an existing fence along Priory Villas.
The spokesman added that the incident was especially disappointing for the club due to the extensive large scale works which had been carried out.
‘We are just devastated by what has happened here.’
A new drainage system was just installed, and a new pitch laid, and it was essential that it was given time to bed down, so that it would be available to ourselves and the Friary school next summer.’
‘We simply cannot believe that someone would carry out such an act,’ he added.
‘ We have spent almost €55,000 on the pro- ject to date, which was raised through fundraising, including the very generous support of the people of Dundalk and the lottery sports grant.’
The spokesman explained that the damage means that the club will have to go to further expense now in a bid to prevent any further incidents.
‘Our contractor is intending to erect new fencing over the next few weeks, which will cost another €11,000.’
‘It is clearly essential given the vandalism some are prepared to engage in,’ added the spokesman.
‘But the extra cost of repairing the pitch is something we just were not prepared for.’