Volunteers at a youth club in Dublin’s north inner city are deeply upset and angered as joyriders have wrecked their football pitches in Fairview Park. The incident occurred on Saturday night when a car careened through an area primarily designated for underage matches, leaving around 130 children without a place to play.
The Sheriff Youth Club, which operates several underage teams, relies heavily on the affected space. Compounding the issue, another pitch on Alfie Byrne Road, used by the club, is also unfit for play due to damage from the Clontarf Half Marathon last year. Leonard Russell, a 57-year-old coach with a long history at the club, fears that both pitches may remain unusable for the remainder of the season ending in May.
Leonard, coaching the under-10s team, expressed his heartbreak at breaking the news to the children and emphasized that this is not the first time their pitches have been vandalized. He called on Dublin City Council to take action and enhance nighttime security in the park.
Describing the extent of the damage, Leonard conveyed the frustration of volunteers who dedicate their time to the underprivileged area. He pointed out that the pitches might be out of action for the rest of the season or close to it, impacting the motivation of volunteers and disappointing the kids they strive to support.
Leonard criticized Dublin City Council for not learning from past incidents and highlighted the lack of responsiveness to previous reports of damage. He stressed the need for accountability and urged the council to secure the area better, preventing unauthorized access to the public park.
Highlighting the unique nature of the Sheriff Youth Club, Leonard emphasized their inclusive approach, welcoming all children regardless of skill level. He underscored the club’s role in providing a safe environment for kids to play football, fostering social skills, and helping them stay on the right path.
While the club has access to an astro pitch, Leonard noted that it is too small to accommodate the large number of players. He concluded with a message to those responsible for the damage, urging them to reconsider their actions and encouraging them to volunteer rather than engage in destructive behavior. In response, Dublin City Council acknowledged the incident, pledged to enhance park protection, and expressed a willingness to meet with the club to address their concerns.
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