Shots fired at local GAA club

Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey said that firing the shots at a parked Transit Van outside the GAA Club, which he believes was the action of people involved in a personal dispute, is “to be condemned”. He added that the “irresponsible actions of those responsible were very unfair on Foreglen GAA, who have been doing great things for charities such as the Foyle Hospice”.

Chairman of Foreglen GAC, Greg McLaughlin said: “I want to condemn the gunfire at our club grounds. We are a totally sporting organisation engaged in taking the youth and young people away from this type of activity.

“We had a charity cow pull recently which raised money for Foyle Hospice and we have been doing very good work in the community – unfortunately that doesn’t make the news with the BBC and UTV.

“This is an absolutely awful attack to happen anywhere – especially at a GAA club.”

The Public Relations Officer at Foreglen Tony McCaul, who is also an elected representative at Limavady Borough Council, also condemned the attack. He said: “I would condemn it totally. It’s an open space where it happenned and anybody could have been hurt, injured or killed. Especially if there had have been someone in the van.

“As to the reasons why someone would do this, I really don’t know. I would echo the sentiment of the Club Chairman Greg McLaughlin in stressing the good work being done by the club.”

Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey, speaking in condemnation of the attack, said: “This was unrelated to Republicanism, drugs or anything like that and it was certainly not related to anything to do with the Foreglen GAA club.

“The amount of work they have been doing for charity, with the cow pull and the fun run in aid of Foyle Hospice etc. Another example is when they all turned out for the sponsored walk in honour of Dr Munroe from the Foyle Hospice after his home was targeted.

“Without a doubt this has nothing to do with Foreglen GAC and it is more likely the result of a personal dispute. The irresponsible actions of those responsible are to be condemned – 100 per cent - and very unfair on the GAA club themselves.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police in Derry are investigation an incident in the Foreglen Road area of Dungiven last night (Fri 20 July) during which a number of shots were heard.

“Around 11:30pm staff at the local GAA Club who were stock taking reported the sound of three shots in the vicinity. On examination of the area police found two strike marks in a blue Ford transit van parked in the Carpark. No one was injured in the incident.

“Anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police in Derry on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”