Vandalism at Nenagh sports grounds

Gardaí have been called on to take action over vandalism reportedly caused by teenagers on electric scooters at MacDonagh Park in Nenagh.

In a statement on Facebook, Nenagh Éire Óg mentioned how the local community rallied behind the club last summer by helping to raise over €215,000 to improve club facilities.

“Thanks to this incredible generosity, we now have a completed walkway around our club grounds, providing a safe space for everyone — especially the most vulnerable in our parish and beyond — to walk without fear of traffic or other dangers.

“Unfortunately, a small group of teenagers have threatened to take this away from everyone through their selfish and reckless behaviour in MacDonagh Park. In recent weeks, a group has been using our pitches to ride electric scooters, causing significant damage to the playing surfaces.

“Members of our club have already spoken with them and pleaded with them to stop vandalising our grounds, but to no avail. Sadly, we are now in the very unfortunate position of having to make an official complaint to the gardaí.

“This behaviour is deeply demoralising for our dedicated grounds staff, who volunteer countless hours to ensure our fields are ready and available for training and matches. We work tirelessly to make our grounds a welcoming place for all and to maintain top-class playing facilities for our players and visiting teams alike.

“If this vandalism continues, we will have no choice but to close our grounds to the public, depriving the many people who use and enjoy them every day — from young children, teenagers and adults playing Gaelic football, camogie and hurling to members of our community who rely on the walkway as a safe and welcoming place to exercise. Closing our grounds would be a devastating loss to the entire community, especially to those who helped fund these improvements and take pride in seeing them used responsibly.

“These facilities were funded by our community for our community. Please show respect and consideration for everyone who benefits from them and stop vandalising our pitches.”

A spokesperson at Nenagh Garda Station confirmed this week that the reported vandalism is being investigated and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.