A Irish-medium preschool in Portadown has received an overwhelming wave of support after a devastating weekend break-in left the charity-run setting facing a major financial setback.
Naíscoil na Banna was targeted in a burglary which caused significant damage to the front doors and frame, while vital electronic equipment and other items were stolen.
The preschool – which relies heavily on donations, grants and fundraising to operate – described the loss as a serious blow at a time when Irish-language early years settings are already under significant pressure.
In a statement, Naíscoil na Banna said staff and parents were “heartbroken” at what had happened.
“We are heartbroken to share that our preschool was broken into over the weekend, causing extensive damage to our front doors and frame, along with taking vital electronic devices etc,” they said.
“As many of you know, we are a charity-run Irish-medium preschool, depending heavily on fundraising and community support to keep our doors open and to continue providing early-years Irish language education in Portadown.”
The preschool added that incidents like this placed “huge pressure on our small organisation”, and represented a major setback for staff and families.
However, within hours of news of the break-in being shared, members of the public began reaching out to ask how they could help. A GoFundMe appeal was then set up at the request of local residents – and donations quickly began to flood in.
By Thursday, the total raised had already passed £5,300, with contributions and messages of support continuing to come in from the local community and beyond.
The Naíscoil expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community response.
“Since the news broke, so many of you in our community have reached out with messages of support, offers of help, and kind words,” they said.
“Your generosity and solidarity have touched us beyond words. What a community we have. We feel incredibly supported, and it reminds us why we do what we do every single day.”
The preschool signed off with a message of thanks to all who have shown support: “Go raibh míle maith agaibh — thank you all so much for standing with us and your continued support as always.”
A police investigation into the break-in is ongoing.
“We are investigating a burglary at a pre-school on Garvaghy Road in Portadown overnight,” said a police spokesperson.
“It’s understood that the door to a classroom was forced, and a quantity of electronics and a sum of cash were taken.
“Anyone with information regarding this crime can contact police on 101, quoting reference 290 17/11/25 or submit information online via our website. The Crimestoppers charity can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”
You can support the GoFundMe appeal here.
