Outrage as 'abhorrent' vandals destroy GAA club's training pitch in the Midlands

A public appeal has been launched with a view to finding the perpetrators behind an "abhorrent" act of vandalism on the grounds of a Longford GAA club.

A large section of Abbeylara GAA's home grounds were destroyed when vandals drove in with a tractor and left tyre tracks all over the club's training pitch.

Senior club officials believe the vehicle used was a tractor in an incident which has been roundly condemned by the two time championship winners.

The incident is believed to have occurred last week.

In a social media post, the club appealed for information, adding the matter had been reported to gardaí.

"We regret to inform that one of our pitches has been subject to an act of vandalism in recent days," read the statement.

"This abhorrent incident comes as a disappointing blow to our diligent and dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly and selflessly to keep our grounds in prime condition.

"We ask everyone interested to remain vigilant and anyone with any information to contact a member of our executive committee or Granard Gardaí."

Club chairman Ciaran Drake said the incident had been met with much derision as he told of how a similar episode took place two years previously.

"It is frustrating to see something like this happen," he said.

"It's especially so when you see all of the good work that goes on behind the scenes on a voluntary basis.

"We don't know who it is, but hopefully by putting the pictures up it might deter anyone from coming in. It's about about showing a bit of respect for club grounds because vandalism at any level within any organisation is what you don't want to see happening."