Arson attacks drive up Tyrone insurance costs
12 November 2009Tyrone clubs are counting the cost of last year's terrorist attacks on the Fr. Rock's and Edendork clubhouses.
The overall insurance bill has jumped from EUR106,000 in 2008 to a whopping EUR230,000 this year. In some cases, the figures for individual club premiums are up 140 per cent. Other factors in the huge increase included extensive flooding at grounds such as Beragh Red Knights and Carrickmore.
Last year, the Fr Rock's club in Cookstown suffered extensive fire damage, while Edendork's clubhouse was burnt to the ground in sectarian attacks by the Orange Volunteers terrorist group.
Both clubs have received insurance payouts, but Cookstown are still awaiting a certificate from the Chief Constable confirming they were victims of a terrorist attack.
Speaking to the Irish Daily Star, Fr Rock's chairman and Tyrone PRO Damien Harvey admitted that it has been a frustrating wait for the cert.
"Some clubs have been very harshly hit. If we can get the NIO to say it was a terrorist act, then the premium will come down again next year," he said.
"They (the other clubs) are not going to hold it against us, but in the interests of the GAA in Tyrone, it is important that does come through."