2 weeks Ago
The home of East Belfast GAA, a local councillor described a “concerted campaign” against the club as “utterly depressing” – with numerous security alerts since it was formed in 2020. The PSNI said Church Road has been closed between Manse Road and Marlborough Heights and members of the public are advised to avoid the area at this time. Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said it’s “utterly depressing" that the club is being targeted by a person or group of people.
“It’s having a massive impact on the area,” he said, “there’s an integrated school and an integrated nursery and people that live around there. It is hugely disruptive. “The vast majority of people in Belfast and east Belfast want nothing to do with those who are responsible.
” He explained that the council is planning on increasing security measures by installing CCTV cameras and increased lighting. “I’m hopeful that when it happens it will put an end to this. “The club has every right to stay there, this is up at Henry Jones and out of the way, not slap bang in the middle of the Newtownards Road.
It’s literally at the top of a very windy hill in the Castlereagh area. “A lot of people back the club and the CCTV is planned for this month so we hope it will now end it for good.” Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has also strongly condemned the latest “appalling” security alert.
“I am appalled at yet another disgraceful security alert at Henry Jones Playing Fields, which are used by East Belfast GAA,” the South Belfast MLA said. “Every one of these appalling incidents are an attack on the entire community, and are not welcome in today’s modern, inclusive Belfast. “Gaelic Games is flourishing in all corners of our city and at every level of society, we will not allow a minority to drag us back and bring our community down.
“I would call on all community and political leaders to make it clear that there is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour.” Further updates will be issued in due course. News Catch Up - Tuesday 17th September.
