Two children taken to hospital on Tuesday evening (August 6 ) after being knocked down at a match in Moate were released that evening with no serious injuries.
The accident occurred around 8.20pm at Hogan Park during an All County Football League division three match between Moate All Whites and Milltown.
A car driven by a teenager slid on a grass bank and went through the three-pillar concrete fence where two boys, aged 10 and eight, were standing supporting the visiting team.
“He had just driven into it [the game], and we think he panicked a bit,” said a spokesperson for the club.
“Oh, we had everything there. Fire brigade, air ambulance. We have been in contact with Milltown and the parents,” said the spokesperson when questioned on the club’s response.
The two boys were taken to Tullamore hospital, and the game was called off.
The three-barred fence is usually used by spectators for sitting or leaning on, but the two boys were “well on the far side, thank God”.
He explained the accident occurred in an area in which parking was prohibited.
“The club have had that area fenced off for the last year. There’s no parking allowed there,” he added.
The All Whites spokesperson was asked if the ‘no parking’ rule was known to the inexperienced driver.
“It’d be hard not to see it,” he said.
Gardaí in Athlone confirmed the incident was “under investigation because there were injuries”, but that no further action had yet been decided upon at this early stage.
