Intimidation of GAA youngsters appalling
THE vandalism directed against GAA facilities at council-owned playing fields in Kilkeel, Co Down, can only be regarded as a sinister development.
It appears that loyalists are objecting to the short-term allocation of part of the complex to juvenile teams from the nearby Ballymartin club while their home pitch is undergoing renovations.
As we report today, a Union flag was erected on one of the GAA posts which were later hacked down with cutting equipment and stencilled with the word 'British'.
It is appalling that such blatant intimidation took place simply because youngsters were allowed to temporarily train at sporting grounds provided for the use of the entire community.
Civic leaders should make every effort to ensure that the threatening behaviour is brought to an end and equal respect is offered to all sporting traditions in the area.
THE vandalism directed against GAA facilities at council-owned playing fields in Kilkeel, Co Down, can only be regarded as a sinister development.
It appears that loyalists are objecting to the short-term allocation of part of the complex to juvenile teams from the nearby Ballymartin club while their home pitch is undergoing renovations.
As we report today, a Union flag was erected on one of the GAA posts which were later hacked down with cutting equipment and stencilled with the word 'British'.
It is appalling that such blatant intimidation took place simply because youngsters were allowed to temporarily train at sporting grounds provided for the use of the entire community.
Civic leaders should make every effort to ensure that the threatening behaviour is brought to an end and equal respect is offered to all sporting traditions in the area.
