Dublin People - Club gets huge support after devastating blaze

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Club gets huge support after devastating blaze

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

A SOCCER club in Dublin 15 is back on its feet following a devastating fire thanks to huge support from the local community.
Just last month Northside People reported how Tyrrelstown FC was left picking up the pieces after the mystery blaze destroyed over e4,000 worth of equipment.
The loss meant the club’s future was under threat but now players and officials are smiling again after generous donations from the local community and Eircom League of Ireland club, Sporting Fingal.
“People became aware of our desperate situation through your newspaper and word of mouth,” club chairman Senan Finucane explained.
“Over the past four weeks we have been blown over by the generosity and good-will gestures we have received.
“The fire has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.”
The local community donated over e1,000 towards the struggling football club while Sporting Fingal also donated e1,000 and much-needed sports equipment.
“We never expected to receive such support and money from people of their own free will,” Mr Finucane continued.
“Sporting Fingal have also given us tickets for games and have promised that some of their professional coaches will come over to Tyrrelstown FC for a day or two to work with some of the kids.
“Without such a gesture, our very existence would have been in danger. Thankfully, we’re in a much better position now and we can start preparing properly for the new season.”
John O’Brien, secretary with Sporting Fingal, said the club was delighted to help Tyrrelstown FC.
“We heard of their plight through Northside People and realised what a terribly blow it must have been for the club,” he explained.
“We are doing whatever we can for them and will do so in the future.
“We are quite anxious to develop close relations with the local sports clubs.
“We in Sporting Fingal are very mindful of the integral work being undertaken by volunteers on behalf of Tyrrelstown FC.
“It was with great shock and disappointment that we learned of the fire which wiped out virtually every piece of equipment belonging to the club.
“We hope that this donation of funds and equipment goes some way to helping the club get back to its rightful position and enable them to give the sporting people within the area a game of football every week.”
Local councillor and Fingal Lord Mayor, Michael O’Donovan (Lab), thanked all those who supported the Dublin 15 team.
“I’m sure the money is much appreciated,” he said.
“The council will also do its best to help team out even further.
“We recognise that this is an emergency situation and we should be able to stretch the rules when it comes to the club.”
He added: “The club will also qualify for an additional grant come October for a new storage unit for their equipment seeing as how the other one was burnt down.
“I applaud the work of volunteers who organise football games for adults and kids on a continual basis. Sport is a key element of community development and I must give Tyrrelstown FC my best wishes at what must be a difficult time for everyone connected with the club.”
Since its formation in 2004, Tyrrelstown FC has grown from strength to strength and now has two schoolboy and two junior teams which train regularly Belgree Park,

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