A community play park in south Armagh has been vandalised with playground equipment set alight and fireworks let off close to homes.
The incident happened on Saturday afternoon at Conway Park in Mullaghbawn – the same facility that only opened last year after a lengthy community campaign – prompting anger and concern among local residents.
Sinn Féin councillor Áine Quinn said some of the play equipment had been set on fire and fireworks were being discharged in the park.
“Disgraceful scenes at the play park this evening, with fireworks being set off and playground equipment set on fire,” she said.
“Thankfully, local residents acted quickly to extinguish the fire. Police have been made aware and are attending.
“Please know where your children are and what they are doing as this will not be tolerated.
“Our play parks are for everyone to enjoy, not to be destroyed by reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk.”
It is understood damage was confined to part of the equipment thanks to the swift response from people living nearby.
Conway Park only opened in August 2025 and was hailed at the time as a “fantastic investment in local families and children”.
Councillor Quinn, who had worked on the project since the start of her council term, previously described seeing the play park completed as “incredible”, calling it a “labour of love” that would provide “a safe, inclusive and exciting space for children to enjoy for years to come”.
Newry and Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan also welcomed the park’s opening last year as a “brilliant example” of what can be achieved through local determination and funding.
Police have been informed about the latest incident and are understood to be making enquiries.
