ARDGLASS GAC are determined to rebuild their clubrooms following a devastating accidental fire that destroyed much of the building at the weekend.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service has said that on Saturday afternoon a small rubbish fire spread to gorse and then to the clubrooms at Ardtole Memorial Park in Ardglass.
The fire collapsed the roof of the clubrooms and caused extensive damage, including smoke damage and flooding from piping throughout the building.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received a call out at 2.34pm.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two jets and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which took just over three hours.
The club released a statement in the aftermath, highlighting the impact that the incident has had on it.
“It has been an incredibly difficult week for everyone at Ard-Ghlais CLG following the devastating fire which caused significant damage to the clubrooms at Ardtole Memorial Park.
“Thankfully nobody was injured, but the blaze caused extensive damage to the building, including the collapse of part of the roof, significant fire and smoke damage, flooding caused by melted pipework, severe electrical damage and the destruction of the garage.
“As a result of the damage and the closure of club grounds on health and safety grounds, scheduled fixtures have been affected. The club thanks all teams, officials and supporters for their understanding while recovery efforts continue.
“While the full extent of the damage continues to be assessed, we remain determined to rebuild and move forward together. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service believe that the cause of the fire was accidental ignition.
It took a total of five appliances to tackle the blaze.
There were two fire appliances from Downpatrick, one from Ballynahinch and one from Newcastle. One aerial appliance from Portadown Fire Station also attended the incident.
Ardglass GAC said: “The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their outstanding response in bringing the fire under control, and to James Crangle Snr, whose quick actions in raising the alarm undoubtedly prevented further damage.”
