Gardaí in Roscommon are investigating recent acts of vandalism which were discovered at Dr. Hyde Park on Tuesday (9th). Roscommon GAA has condemned the “mindless destruction” which saw seating and broadcasting equipment damaged at the county town venue sometime between Tuesday, October 2nd and Tuesday, October 9th.
Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday afternoon, Roscommon GAA PRO Hugh Lynn, said that volunteers were “extremely disappointed” following the discovery.
“It was noticed on Tuesday that a number of seats had been smashed at Dr. Hyde Park. There was also extensive damage to broadcasting and telecommunications equipment owned by various media organisations.
“The seats in the covered stand had been replaced by volunteers ahead of the Connacht Final earlier this year and a number of those volunteers were upset to discover that the results of their hard work had been destroyed for no apparent reason.
“The sad thing is that there was evidence of alcohol consumption in the vicinity and this would suggest that people entered Dr. Hyde Park with the intention to consume alcohol and cause this damage,” he said.
Mr. Lynn said it was disheartening that the damage was inflicted in the build-up to the Roscommon Senior Football Final between St. Brigid’s and Clann na nGael which is due to take place at the county town venue on Sunday.
“The county final will be shown worldwide via TG4 and GAAGO this Sunday and therefore it’s disappointing that people felt it was acceptable to trespass at Dr. Hyde Park and cause damage. The show must go on of course and the seats will be replaced in time for Sunday’s game. It’s sad however that the repairs have to be carried out”.
Gardaí in Roscommon town are investigating and have asked anyone with any information to contact them on 090-6638300.
