Broken glass found on soccer pitch at The Showgrounds, Gorey. Pic: Christy Farrell.

“We are afraid something bad will happen to the kids,” said a Gorey Rangers FC official after anti-social behaviour reached a new level of mindlessness at the weekend when broken glass was scattered onto the soccer pitch used by the academy (5 to 8 years olds) at the Showgrounds and the start of last Saturday mornings game was delayed while the playing surface was made safe.

Officials from Gorey Rangers soccer club arrived early in the morning to find broken glass from around 20 broken beer bottles at the entrance to the dressingrooms.

However, on closer inspection, glass was found on the pitch – some sharp pieces deliberately planted in the short grass, but difficult to see – and a thorough inspection of the pitch by club members was conducted before the referee felt it was safe enough to play the match.

Jason Hammett, under 10 and under 16 ladies team manager, said “The men’s match was delayed by glass sticking out of the pitch from the night before. The young fellas are having parties up here during the day and at night time, they are smashing the bottles and throwing the glass onto the pitch.”

James Levingston, Club Chairman, said the smashed bottles are green in colour which makes it more difficult to find glass on the pitch.

A spokesperson for Gorey Garda Station said they were aware of ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour and vandalism in the area of Gorey Town Park and the Showgrounds, which are linked by walkways.

While the Showgrounds is used by Gorey Rangers FC for their under-age teams, the facilities belong to the people of Gorey and is under the care of Wexford County Council.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.