Glasgow based Tir Conaill Harps GAC has had an amazing public response to an appeal following the firebombing of their minibus last month.
 
The 17 seater bus was written off, as was several thousand pounds worth of hurling and camogie equipment when arsonists set it alight in what is being investigated by police as possible racist act.
 
It was parked at the location as one of the club volunteers was due to sit a mini bus driving course the following day. 

The club, which has a history of ground breaking work with young people in the city from all cultural backgrounds, relied on the bus for community projects and GAA trips to Ireland and England.
 
After the initial shock, parents, members and the Irish community have rallied round since the launch of a £15,000 appeal. This has included bag packing, dances, and donations.
 
Over the weekend, the club got a fantastic reception at the Glasgow St Patrick's Festival, which  has helped bring the total donated so far to over£4000 . Most of the equipment has been replaced by donations from other units of Gaelic athletic association and sponsors.
 
"We  are concerned that the public goodwill can only go so far," said Chairman Maurice Friel. "We are now appealing to the wider GAA community to come to our aid by supporting our efforts."
 
"We don't operate like a traditional club at home and as such do not have a geographical area or parish we can focus our fund-raising. Over the past 15 years, the club have hosted well over one hundred clubs from ireland and the club hope that some can come to their aid by making a small donation," he added.
 
Among the plans to raise the money is a £20 ticket draw for an all inclusive holiday for two including flights to Sharm Al Shiehk in Egypt.
Anyone wishing to support this or wishing to make an online donation to the appeal can do so by logging on to http://www.tirconaill.org/index.asp?pageid=218788 /> 
Further details are available on 0141 221 4553 or by e-mail to [email protected]  


Tommy Main
Project Manager
Harps Community Project
St.Patrick's Primary school
10 Perth st
Glasgow
G3 8UQ
Glasgow Office Tel: 0141 221 4553
Ireland Office: 00353 71 9630670

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