Motive for arson attack at Co Tyrone GAA club unclear

The clubhouse at Tír na nÓg in Moy had only reopened in recent weeks, after suffering smoke damage in September, and now an extensive fire has damaged a gym at the site on the Benburb Road.

Francis McQuade described Sunday night’s attack as “shocking”.

He said the club attracts widespread community support, with players from across the religious divide, and that any sectarian motive was unlikely.

“We just can’t understand what has brought this about or where it has come out of,” he said.

Mr McQuade said the main clubhouse is undamaged and that the club will be able to carry on operating as normal.

“In September it was mainly smoke damage at the main clubrooms and it was only two weekends ago that we were able to open again after it was closed to be refurbished.

“Everyone rallied around the last time and they will do this time.”

The chairman said it was too early to assess the financial cost of the latest attack.

“We are still waiting to get reports on the damage so we don’t know at this stage, but we are determined to carry on,” he added.

Although the club chairman was playing down any suggestion of a sectarian motive, Connell Donnelly who runs the fitness facility said he believed it could not be ruled out.

In a message posted on Facebook, he said: “Our newly open gym in Moy village was attacked and destroyed in what appears to be a sectarian arson attack last night. We are still unsure what happened and why it happened but it’s not just an attack on me it’s an attack on the whole community.”

A PSNI spokesman said the arson attack was still being investigated, and that they are aware of claims of a sectarian motive.

He added: “Shortly before 11pm police received a report that a gym beside the main clubhouse was on fire. Extensive damage was caused to the building as a result of the fire.”

Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson condemned the incident.

“An arson attack on any property is wrong,” he said.

“However, attacks on buildings closely identified with one or other side of the community have the potential to escalate both community apprehensions and tensions.”

Mr Nelson added: “The Orange Institution wants to see a Northern Ireland where no one feels a need to engage in such despicable activity.”