THE LOCAL sporting community in Penarth has been left shocked by the news that a local clubhouse has been destroyed by an overnight fire.
Emergency services rushed to Penarth Rugby and Football Club this morning (1st December) at 5.00am with the roof said to be “well alight” upon arrival.
A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “SWFRS received a call at approximately 04.59 am to reports of a fire at Penarth rugby and football club. The roof was well alight and spreading to area of trees behind.
“Crews and appliances from Penarth, Barry and Cardiff Central attended and extinguished the fire using hose reel, 45mm jets and breathing apparatus.”
Penarth RFC Statement
Penarth Rugby Club has also released a statement saying: “Absolutely devastating news to bring you this morning about our beloved Club House.
“We are all in a state of shock as it’s such a hub of the community for so many people of all ages.
“So many memories have been lost but thankfully no one was hurt!
“Special thanks so South Wales Fire Service for their quick response and efforts.
“Big thanks to everyone who has reached out to Dan & Hubbs offering support and services
“Penarth Rugby, Penarth Cricket and Penarth Hockey will all come together and we will rebuild.”
The facilities are used by various clubs in the area including Penarth Rugby Club, Penarth Cricket Club and Penarth Ladies’ Hockey Club.
Penarth Athletic Club
Taking to social media, a Penarth Athletic Club spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to report that there were no injuries to staff or visitors as a result of the incident. The safety and well-being of everyone involved remains our highest priority.”
Co-Club Chairs Gareth Hubback and David Carter said: “We are tremendously grateful for the swift response of the fire and rescue service and for the support from our local community at this time. We will work hard to recover as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we will provide further information as it becomes available.”
Barry RFC offer sympathy
Barry RFC offered their support to Penarth RFC saying: “Our thoughts and sympathy this morning are with the players, committee and members of Penarth RFC.
“This is such a tragic event because as we all know our clubhouses are our homes and a lot of a rugby clubs history is physically attached to the walls of our bars and lounges.
“Penarth RFC is a club with a massive history we hope that they can re-build and recover from this as quickly as possible.
“No doubt other rugby clubs nearby will perhaps be in a position to offer the use of facilities on a temporary basis if required and that certainly applies to Barry RFC if Penarth RFC need to reach out for help.”
‘Firefighters put themselves at risk to keep us safe‘
Local Senedd member Andrew RT Davies commented on the social media platform X: “Every day, our firefighters put themselves at risk to keep us safe.
“Their bravery ensured no one was hurt in this incident, and the whole of Penarth is exceptionally grateful to them. It also shows how indebted we are to them to keep us safe. It goes without saying this incident is devastating for Penarth. My thoughts are with everyone at the Club as they recover from the shock. While it’s a blessing there were no casualties, we must not underestimate the historic significance of Penarth RFC to the game.
“We must all get behind the Club as they begin their work to recover from this incident.”
More on this story as it develops.
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