In the early hours of Monday 22nd February 2010, our community bus was destroyed by arsonists outside a community transport training centre in the north of Glasgow.

One of our volunteers was to sit a MIDAS driving test the following day.  Ironically, that person, like so many in the club, was doing the training course to devote their free time to drive Glasgow children to local healthy living and community clubs and sporting events in Ireland and England. The bus was completely destroyed as was £3,000 worth of sports equipment inside.

This was a massive setback to the club who have run activities for young people throughout the city since 1994. It is our aim to turn this very negative incident into a positive. We have been overwhelmed by messages of support sent to us and offers of help.

The Harps are On-The-Road-Again!. 

The club would like to say a BiG THANK YOU to all who have helped us get back on the road.  Pictured below is our new bus, purchased by our club chairman, Maurice Friel, just short of four months after the loss. 

In addition to losing the bus, the fire resulted in the loss of approximately £3,000 of equipment.  The club would like to extend our deep appreciation for the generosity of all who have contributed to the replacement of almost 100% of the equipment lost.

Thus far we have received the following contributions, good wishes and offers of support:

• The Ulster County Council for the donation of £1,500 worth of U12 hurling/camogie equipment through Tom Daly, outgoing President.
• Offer from Pat Daly Head of Games development in Croke Park of Hurling Equipment
• Offer of a golf prize for awards dinner from Dom Sweeney
• Ulster GAA Council. Included appeal on website
• Rangers Study centre-to be confirmed but will help out
• Celtic Learning centre- signed Celtic jersey
• Alison.Thewliss@glasgow.gov.uk willing to support application to local area committees
• St.Roch’s primary school offering to help in any way they can
• Thorntree primary and Eastbank Academy offered use of bus
• Bob Doris MSP raised the matter in parliament
• Shannon Gaels GAC, Co.Roscommon offer to support fund-raising
• Cllr Matheson refereed to various departments
• East end healthy living centre offer of transport
• Positive Action in Housing Ltd £100 donation plus offer to circulate our appeal to 15,000 contacts
• Forth Camanachd Shinty Club have donated hurls
• Cllr. Archie Graham offer to help
• Printing of Draw Tickets sponsored by Liam Spillane.  Possibility of getting bus at cost price being looked at
• Simon Bilcock, Area Project Coordinator (Area Services SE) circulated our plight to every sports agency and club in south east of Glasgow. Also offered to allow us to promote our appeal during the Club Nights Initiative.
• Cllr Phil Braat offering to help
• Glasgow West Regeneration Agency offering to look into sources of funding
• Irish Consul.  Possible source of government funding. Offering other help
• Anthony Rogan Mighty Quinn Hurls donated 12 hurls.
• West of Scotland Regional Equality Council Ltd offer of help.
• Elaine Smith MSP message of support.