GAA warns clubs to be extra vigilant after spike in burglaries

A QUARTER of an all-weather pitch was among one of the more bizarre items recently stolen from a GAA club as Croke Park have warned members to be vigilant after a rise in break-ins and robberies in the organisation’s units.

The astro-turf, which belonged to Wicklow club Bray Emmets, was later discovered in an individual’s back garden in south Dublin last month after he had allegedly paid €100 for it.

Emmets are one of a few clubs in Ireland to have a full-size all-weather pitch, which forms part of their €1.25 million complex.

Several clubs in remote areas such as Tinryland in Carlow have also been the victims of theft while last Friday, four cars were robbed, three of them badly damaged, at the Four Masters club in Donegal town while the club’s ladies team were out training.

The increase in the number of burglaries has moved Croke Park to caution clubs about keeping money on their premises.

In their newsletter to clubs, they state: “Unfortunately the current economic climate has seen an increase in the occurrence of break-ins and thefts across the country.

“Criminal gangs are targeting organisations in particular where they perceive there may be large sums of cash.

“Please be extra vigilant in the manner in which ticket money/bar takings/income from fundraising is handled by members.

“Large sums of cash should not be stored at properties and never in the dwelling of a member where their family may be put at risk.”

GAA insurance and risk officer Sinead Quinn revealed: “Carlow has been hit and Kildare has been targeted about three times.

“One club in Kilkenny has also been affected where the week’s takings were taken.

“Our major concern is that a volunteer or a bar person could be injured.

“CCTV cameras have also been damaged. It’s mostly inconvenient damage being done and we haven’t experienced any monetary hit but we would encourage members to bank their takings as soon as they can.”