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20 Feb 2026
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20 Feb 2026
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Wheel marked damage to the Smiths Field pitch in Mountmellick. Image from video posted by Mountmellick Utd soccer club.
A big Laois soccer club has shared their disappointment following the vandalism of the only pitch they could use in winter evenings.
Mountmellick United FC is reporting that scrambler bikes have "badly damaged" their training pitch at Smiths Field, a public sports ground owned by the parish.
They say that the damage took place on Wednesday, February 18 and are appealling to witnesses to contact Laois Gardaí.
Sharing a video of the track marks across the pitch, the club describe it as "a mindless act of vandalism".
They also stress the urgency of getting state funding to fast track a planned upgrade of Smith's Field and their home grounds at Conor Davis Park, with a new footbridge linking them over the River Owenass. The Smith's Field pitch will become an astroturf surrounded by 3 m tall security fencing.
"Our training pitch in Smith’s Field was badly damaged yesterday by scrambler bikes.
While the pitch may not be in perfect condition, it is absolutely vital to our club. It is the only floodlit pitch available to us. With 22 teams and over 450 players, this facility is essential to keeping soccer going in our town.
"It is incredibly disappointing that this damage was caused by members of our own local community. Our volunteers work tirelessly to provide opportunities for players of all ages, and we take great pride in our club, our members, and our facilities at Conor Davis Park.
"We are currently progressing plans for the redevelopment of Smith’s Field and Conor Davis Park, including a full-size all-weather pitch and upgraded grass pitches.
"This mindless act of vandalism only highlights the urgency of securing funding and fast-tracking these developments so that Smith’s Field can be properly secured and fenced.
"If anyone has information regarding this damage, we ask that you please report it to the Gardaí. We are confident that someone in the community knows who is responsible.
"We thank our members and the wider community for their continued support," a club statement reads.
There is already €350,000 of state money granted to the club for the project.
Read next: New coffee shop planned in former Mountmellick hairdressers
The secluded field has a sad history of attracting anti-social behaviour and crime. Fencing beside a new walkway across the field was damaged by vandals during construction last summer.
The town's €250,000 playground had to be dismantled and built elsewhere, after it was damaged and burnt multiple times. Most tragically is it the site of the murder of innocent young teenager Darragh Conroy in 2003.
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