‘Brazen’: Thieves take the lead at Limerick GAA ground

BRAZEN criminals have struck at the heart of Limerick GAA by targeting the ground where the foundations for five All-Irelands were laid.

The Limerick Leader can reveal that the perpetrators broke into Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale in the dead of night.

 The GAA facility has been subject to significant investment in recent years and is where the Limerick footballers and hurlers hold many of their training sessions under floodlights in the winter months.

The culprits had their homework done as they climbed up on the roof of the stand.  

An estimated €1.2m was spent in opening a new 705-seater stand last year.

They proceeded to steal the lead from the roof. 

The crooks also pulled down and took a section of steel fencing at the front of the stand which surrounds the pitch. It is understood that it will cost some €10,000 to replace the fencing. 

However, it is not known if the lead in the roof will need to be replaced with similar material or if GAA officials will opt for change.

It is believed the lead and metal fencing will make “big money” from unscrupulous scrap metal companies.

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Gardai are investigating the theft of lead and metal fencing from Mick Neville Park. A spokesperson said: “Gardaí received a report of an incident of criminal damage that occurred on Wednesday, August 21 at a premises in the Wolfesburgess East area of Rathkeale. Investigations are ongoing at this time.”

Minister of State Niall Collins said the GAA is about people and community and this is an attack on both.

“The Limerick hurlers have given the whole county such a lift with their success since 2018 and a new-found sense of pride. So to see a GAA ground targeted which has been instrumental in their preparations targeted in this manner is nothing short of despicable,” said Mr Collins.

A vehicle with a large trailer or a lorry would have been needed to transport the lead and metal fencing. 

Anybody who may have seen suspicious activity is asked to contact investigating gardai in Newcastle West at 069 20650.