Athlone Town blasts 'wanton destruction' after stadium break-in

Athlone Town AFC has blasted what it described as "wanton destruction" after a break-in at the club's stadium in Lissywollen last week.

In a statement posted online, Athlone Town said the damage caused has been estimated at between €1,700 and €2,000, and the club confirmed that An Garda Síochána have been notified.

"It is with regret that we have to announce another break-in at the Stadium, this happened last Thursday night, when not only was the main entrance door forced open, but the shop roller shutter door was also forced open, and most of the stock was taken," said the Athlone Town statement.

"As well as that both doors were badly damaged, with the entrance door frame being forced out of line and the lock and bolt broken, as well as damage to the surrounding wall and plate, and also the shop roller shutter door cannot now be closed, and is damaged beyond repair.

"All this wanton destruction is caused by people that should know better and, as there is nothing of any value apart from (sweets or soft drinks} left or kept at the Stadium, there is no sense whatsoever in causing damage estimated at between, €1,700 and €2,000.

"Again, and as everyone knows Athlone Town AFC, like a lot of other sporting clubs, is doing its best to cater for a large contingent of players: as apart from our 2 senior teams, we also have our 9 underage teams, all with average squads of around 25 young players.

"And with the associated running costs of travel expenses, insurance, heating, lighting, and stadium/pitch maintenance rising all the time, the last thing any community-focused club wants is this kind of behaviour by, for want of a better description, lawless brain-dead thugs," the statement continued.

"An Garda Siochana, have been notified, and any information, anonymous or otherwise is welcome, and can be notified directly to them or indeed to any club member or through our online media platforms," the statement added.

It's not the first occasion that Athlone Town has been targeted in such a fashion in recent times.

Last June, the club revealed that, during a break-in at the stadium, several items were taken from an office including the club's computer.

"The club is disappointed and annoyed that this has happened but is determined not to let the culprits prevail," stated the club regarding that incident.