Investigation begins after fire destroys clubhouse in North

An investigation was under way today into a massive fire which completely destroyed a GAA clubhouse in Co Tyrone.

Six units of the fire service battled the blaze at Edendork GAA Club, near Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

A police spokeswoman said it was too early to say if the fire was started deliberately.

The fire was reported by a local resident shortly after 5am.

Edendork GAA club chairman Peter O’Connor said the entire clubhouse was devastated.

“Everyone is just in shock at the moment,” he said.

“The building has been completely destroyed.

“When I got there at 6am, the whole place was on fire. The roof was off and the first floor had completely collapsed in.”

A fire service spokesman said firefighters were unable to enter the building as the structure was unsafe.

It took four hours for the fire to be brought under control.

A technical examination of the scene is under way.

Debris from around the pitch area was cleared away in order to allow a game between the Edendork side and local club Pomeroy to go ahead.

Mr O’Connor said the clubhouse was an important facility for the local community.

“It is a focus for the community, somewhere people gather,” he said.

“But life goes on so we need to look forward to the important match ahead.”