€1,000 reward offered for info on soccer club break in

Local businesses have rallied behind Tullamore Town FC following the damaging break-in at the club’s home, Leah Victoria Park, in recent weeks.

Thieves made off with thousands of euros of ground-keeping equipment from the facility on the Sunday night/Monday morning of October 19/20 last.

All of the club’s equipment for maintaining its ground was taken, including a ride-on lawnmower, two push lawnmowers and two strimmers. The thieves also stole 300 litres of diesel from a tank, as well as 20 practice balls belonging to the club’s youth teams.

In the aftermath of the break-in, club sponsor James O’Connor of fititout.ie has offered a reward of €1,000 for anyone who can provide information leading to the return of the stolen goods.

James told the Offaly Independent he was disgusted by the theft and “couldn’t believe” the club had been targeted in this manner.

Ex-player Brendan Lawlor of Midland Security also approached the club with an offer to provide security assistance and equipment.

In a post on social media, he said the company was “delighted to be able to sponsor and provide a new DVR for the CCTV system in Tullamore Soccer Club.”

He added: “As part our commitment to the club, we’ll also be providing regular mobile patrols each night around the soccer club grounds to try and prevent any further thefts or damage to the club.

“We feel it’s important as a local company to give back to our community and especially to local clubs and voluntary organisations that give so much to our community and give so much enjoyment and life skills to our children and friends children.”

Club chairman Billy Martin expressed his gratitude to the firms for their support, which he said was much appreciated. Speaking to the Offaly Independent on Wednesday, Billy said an assessment of the damage and losses had been completed but he was unaware of any developments in the criminal investigation over the last week or so.

He vowed that the club would continue to move forward, despite this setback. “We just have to keep going and keep on scoring goals!”

If anyone has any information relating to the break-in, they’re asked to contact Tullamore Gardai on 057 93 27600.