Ballybeg community rallies after double arson attack

St Saviour's GAA Club members pictured inside their burned-out clubhouse on Saturday morning after an overnight fire at both the club and the local Youth Resource Centre (inset) left the community in a state of shock.| Photos: Noel Ryan

St Saviour's GAA Club members pictured inside their burned-out clubhouse on Saturday morning after an overnight fire at both the club and the local Youth Resource Centre (inset) left the community in a state of shock.| Photos: Noel Ryan

Up to 500 children and teenagers in the Ballybeg area were displaced this week after arson attacks gutted the Ballybeg Youth Resource Centre and caused extensive damage to St Saviour’s GAA Club, with the loss of tens of thousands of euros worth of equipment, priceless memorabilia and old photos.
However members of Ballybeg’s tight-knit community have been quick to rally around their highly-valued local resources.
Less than 24 after news of the fire shocked the local community, a number of concerned individuals and groups had gotten together and formed a fundraising group, with the aim of getting centres back in operation.
One of those people is Daryl Ryan, son of well-known St Saviour’s stalwart Ollie Ryan.
“I was devastated for the gang in both clubs, everyone knows the great work they do in Ballybeg,” he said.
“So many people wanted to do something practical to help and I just though it was time to step up to the plate. Since then I’ve been inundated with offers of help, amongst them Willie Moore of the Community Development Project, the City Fire Services and so many more has offered support. Between us all, we will get both of these centres open for the kids of the community again before long.”
A meeting will be held at the Cill Barra Sports Hall on Tuesday night to form a fundraising committee and Waterford can expect plenty of worthwhile events in the coming weeks, Daryl said.