HOCKEY CLUB ATTACKED AGAIN‘You’re putting people at risk’ councillor warns attackers

Last month the Star reported that several matches had been cancelled following attacks on the club, which also disrupted normal club activities.

And this week there was a further attack at the club, based at Comber Road, Hillsborough, which saw glass jars filled with white paint launched from the Ballynahinch Road side of the club and smashed against a pitch side fence, scattering glass and paint onto the pitch.

Lisburn Councillor Uel Mackin condemned the attack. Speaking following the incident, he said: “This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and is to be utterly condemned. Not only has considerable damage been done to property, but individuals playing on the pitch are put at risk of injury from small particles of glass ingrained in the all-weather surface. Indeed pupils from a local grammar school were due to play on the pitch affected a short time following the discovery on Tuesday morning.

“I unreservedly condemn this and the previous attacks on the property which cannot be justified on any basis.

“The club have a strong youth culture and provide a very useful service within the community. A large number of its membership reside in the Downshire constituency so in a way this behaviour is really an attack on them and it is they who will have to contribute to the cost of repair.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows or suspects anything in relation to these attacks to contact Lisnagarvey Hockey Club on 028 9268 1144 or the PSNI in Hillsborough on 028 9260 0917, or confidentially contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”