LEAGUE OF IRELAND champions Dundalk have been left to count the cost of an act of vandalism on their Oriel Park home just weeks before the start of the new season.
Gardai are investigating a break in at the club’s offices after two intruders caused significant damage to the premises.
Local media are reporting the break in happened between 5am and 7.30am on Tuesday morning.
The vandals also took a number of items, including signed jerseys set to be auctioned off for local charities.
Also taken were shirts from last year’s league and cup winning team which were due to be given to the club’s sponsors.
A laptop, kindle and other club property were also stolen.
A club spokesperson confirmed to The42 that substantial damage was done, particularly in the boardroom where windows and doors were smashed.
“It’s extremely disappointing,” he said. “We have worked hard in the local area to make the club the bedrock of the community and it’s disappointing people choose to do this.”
“Unfortunately the club is the victims this time around, it will be someone else next week.”
Dundalk’s first home game of the SSE Airtricity League season is on Friday 11 March against Finn Harps.
Stephen Kenny’s side begin their title defence a week earlier at Bray Wanderers.
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