DISAPPOINTMENT AND DISGUST has been aired at attempts to dampen jubilant celebrations in Tulla.
Known as the windswept hill, Tulla was on the crest of a wave following the Dr Harty Cup success of the St Joseph’s Tulla hurlers. Their victory has resulted in unforgettable memories and celebrations that will be treasured to last a lifetime but local voluntary groups were left horrified when one car decked in the blue and white colours was burnt out by vandals in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Clare Echo understands that the incident has not been reported to Gardaí. It also remains unclear whether the vandals carried out the act to spite the Harty Cup success or a random act. The car had been a symbol of the success with the name of every panellist scribed onto the bonnet following the win.
“It was disappointing to see that someone would take that action but it won’t stop us or the pride and the support people have,” Chairman of Tulla Tidy Towns, Tim Humphries told The Clare Echo,
Tim added, “The car was a focal point of the support, it was at the main crossroads, anybody going to the school or driving to the village would have seen it, to have it destroyed like that is very upsetting and disappointing. The general feeling was of disgust and disappointment but after that it was if nothing else it will only make us and the team stronger. Vandalism won’t take away from what the team have done or their spirit, that action speaks more about the person that did it”.
With the St Patrick’s Day parade to return to Tulla this year, it had been planned to include the car in the festivities to mark the exploits of the team captained by Ronan O’Connor. The parade may yet be moved from March 17th depending on how the hurlers progress in the All-Ireland series.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Chairperson of the Tulla Sports and Social Club, Deirdre Duff was at a loss to consider what was the motivation behind the attack. “After so much positivity in the community, it was so disappointing to see this happen”. A spirit had been brewing in Tulla following the purchase of the bunting with the car adding to this atmosphere, she outlined.
