Clubhouse Fire Ravages Ballinamallard FC Facility
A fire broke out at the Ballinamallard Football Club in County Fermanagh on Saturday, engulfing the clubhouse and destroying a store room, kitchen and the main club room. The blaze was spotted just before the scheduled 3 p.m. opening, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services.
Four appliances from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service arrived within minutes and managed to bring the flames under control in under two hours. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the quick actions of the fire crews prevented the situation from escalating further.
Tom Elliott, the club’s chairperson and a former Ulster Unionist Party leader, told BBC News NI that the fire appeared to be accidental. He praised the fire service for their swift and professional response, noting that the incident occurred while the club was preparing for its regular opening.
Elliott explained that the damaged areas will be out of use for an extended period while the club works with its insurance provider to assess repairs and determine a timeline for reopening. He emphasized that the priority now is ensuring the facility can be restored safely and efficiently.
The club’s leadership remains committed to rebuilding the clubhouse and returning to normal operations as soon as possible. Updates will be shared with members and supporters as the recovery process progresses.