Alliance MLA questions how ‘children playing cricket will erode culture' after cancellation of kids' event

Belfast Telegraph

16-07-2025

The criticism comes amid the growing controversy after the cross-community camp was scrapped following opposition from a local Orange lodge over the involvement of 'a small group of children from a GAA club.'
The First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the situation as 'deeply worrying' and 'unacceptable' as East Belfast GAA – who were planning on sending a number of children from their club to take part – also expressed 'disappointment'.
Speaking about the row on BBC NI's Nolan Show, Strangford politician Kellie Armstrong said the cancellation is a 'missed opportunity'.
'I'm very disappointed that a minority in Comber has decided to take away an opportunity for children to play together outside,' she said.
'Unfortunately the club had to take the decision to cancel which is letting down children from the local area and wider beyond.
"I really don't understand how children playing cricket in a playing field and learn about cricket is going to erode anyone's culture.
'This was an opportunity. North Down Cricket Club had seen an opportunity to bring children together but that has been stopped because of some really outdated comments by self-proclaimed loyalists and the Orange Order in the area have decided that a small number of children who happen to play Gaelic games are not to be there.
"They seem to have taken upon themselves who can come into Comber and who can't.'
She added: 'Here we have a group of adults who should know better, who have come out and stopped a summer scheme from happening because of their own prejudices.'
TUV Councillor Ron McDowell said on the programme that the statement from Comber Orange Lodge has been 'read into' and that the lodge's complaint is not in opposition to sport.
In his comments he argued the lodge hadn't prevented the event from taking place or made a threat of 'protest, action or militancy' and claimed there were concerns over other controversies surrounding the GAA including children and youth tournaments being named after IRA leaders.
Raising her own concerns on social media, Ms O'Neill said: 'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance.'
'These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unify.
'Political representatives must call this out. We need to send a clear message that we will continue moving forward together to build a brighter society and overcome such unacceptable intolerance.'
East Belfast GAA – which has faced a number of bomb threats over recent years – have also spoken out about the controversy in a statement this morning.
The club called it a 'regrettable cancellation' and said it would have involved 'a great opportunity to engage with those who share our values of respect, togetherness, and inclusion'.
'The regrettable cancellation won't stop any of the organisations involved from continuing their great work in building bridges, promoting peace, and sharing spaces for sport,' they added.
'We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups from Belfast and beyond so that everyone can enjoy a healthy lifestyle through sport and community.'
North Down Cricket Club had planned to host the kids summer camp at their Comber site on Friday but it was scrapped as Goldsprings LOL stated that a number of residents in the area 'expressed significant concerns' on the GAA aspect of the event.
The cricket club had set out to involve 10 different local sports and community groups, including GAA games, in order to help the 'building of friendships through shared activity'.
"As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed'
A spokesperson from North Down Cricket Club said last night that it has been 'an important part of Comber since 1857 — the oldest sporting club in the town, with deep roots, proud traditions, and a strong sense of identity'.
'We reflect the best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage — confident, welcoming, and grounded in respect. This club wasn't just built by Comber families — it's still made up of them.
"For generations, people from this town have given their time and care to something bigger than themselves. What they passed on wasn't just facilities — it was a culture of decency, community and quiet pride. That's the tradition we're proud to continue.
'It's often been sport that's brought people together when little else could: shared pride, shared joy, shared ground.
'The Sport Summer Camp was created to give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun."
The spokesperson added: 'The plan was to involve 10 different local sports and community groups — including organisations supporting ethnic minority communities — with the aim of building friendships through shared activity. A small group of children from a GAA club was just one part of that broader mix.
'As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed.
'But let's be clear: openness is not a threat. Respect is not surrender. And our culture is not so fragile that it can't be shared.
'We are a strong club, in a strong town. That's why our gates will always remain open — and why we'll keep showing others what we're about: sport, community, and quiet confidence in who we are. That's what this was about."
News Catch Up - Tuesday 15th July
In a social media post, the area's local Orange lodge, Goldsprings LOL, said the club's presence 'would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area'.
'While the promotion of sport and youth engagement is widely supported across all sectors of society, many local residents have raised reservations about the GAA's cultural and historical affiliations.
'Specifically there is unease regarding aspects of the organisation that have, in the past, celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity.
'For a shared and peaceful future, such actions are viewed by some as divisive and incompatible with a truly inclusive society.'
The spokesman added: 'Residents have made it clear that until the GAA takes meaningful steps to ensure it is fully inclusive and sensitive to the history and identity of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) community, its presence in Comber would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area.
'This issue is not about about opposition to sport, but about ensuring that all organisations operating in shared spaces demonstrate respect for all traditions and work proactively towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.'