Vandals attack Garda golf course

Gardaí are investigating two attacks by vandals in Dublin at the golf club in the Garda's Westmanstown Sports Centre, Clonsilla, and at Grange Golf Club, Rathfarnham. The attacks were carried out late on Sunday or in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Detectives were last night following a definite line of inquiry after finding what sources referred to as a "calling card" at the Westmanstown course at first light yesterday.

In an unusual twist a large placard containing a written message was left by those who attacked the Westmanstown club. The placard referred to the Star on Sunday's crime reporter John Mooney.

One line of investigation is that those behind the attack in the early hours of yesterday morning may have been the subject of articles written by Mooney in recent times.

Mr Mooney last night said he believed the attack was linked to an article which appeared in the Star on Sunday last weekend which detailed the involvement of a small number of people from the Travelling community in organised crime in Dublin.

Gardaí are focusing their efforts on a group of criminals in the Finglas area. Early progress is expected in the investigation.

Seven putting greens were badly vandalised at the Garda course. Up to 14 large holes were dug on some of the greens and in some cases large trenches were also dug into the turf. Teeing off points were also badly damaged around the course.

The damage is likely to cost up to €30,000 to repair according to one Garda source. It was so extensive that detectives believe a large group was involved or that a smaller group spent several hours on the course. Some of the damage took place within 100 metres (320ft) of the club house. A tournament scheduled to take place at the course went ahead yesterday after remedial repairs were carried out.

The attack will come as an embarrassment for gardaí and raises question as to the security of the facility.

At Grange Golf Club the damage was not as extensive. However, several greens were dug up in the attack similar to Westmanstown. When contacted yesterday a staff member said the club would not be commenting on the incident. Gardaí are linking the two attacks. One Garda source said the attack at the Rathfarnham course may have been carried out in error.

The nearby Stackstown golf course is very popular with gardaí and officers believe those behind the attack at Grange may have become confused and targeted the wrong club.

Both clubs have been damaged in the past. In 1995, 11 greens at Westmanstown were dug up by vandals using a pickaxe. The notorious Dublin criminal Martin Cahill, also known as "The General", dug up greens some years earlier at Stackstown. The club was originally a Garda club but now has open membership.