Thieves target St Francis club grounds

By Maurice Garvey

THIEVES have targeted St Francis Football Club once again – stealing a high quality ride-on lawnmower from the club grounds in Baldonnel.

The opportunist theft occurred whilst the Republic of Ireland were playing Sweden in the Euros on Monday evening, June 14.

It is the second time the club’s ride-on lawnmower has been stolen, at significant cost to the club.

A club source says they don’t hold out much hope of retrieving the lawnmower, and that the theft of the motor has “really put us back.”

The lawnmower was used to cut all the pitches at the club grounds in John Hyland Park, near Clondalkin, leaving ground staff with a massive headache as they attempt to maintain club facilities.

At present, St Francis FC has 14 schoolboy teams ranging from U7 to U14, and three senior teams playing in the Leinster Senior League.

Rathcoole gardai are investigating the theft, anyone with information is encouraged to call them at 666 7900.