‘Disturbing': Co Down sports camp cancelled as Orange lodge notes ‘significant concerns' with GAA involvement

Irish Independent

5 days ago

North Down Cricket Club had anticipated to host the kids summer camp at their Comber site on Friday but cancelled the event after opposition from a local Orange lodge.
Goldsprings LOL stated that a number of residents in the area 'expressed significant concerns' on the GAA aspect of the camp.
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'.
A spokesperson from North Down Cricket Club said 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."
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.'
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew slammed the statement as a form of 'intolerance and divisiveness' which has 'no place in our society.'
Mr Gildernew said: 'It is deeply disturbing that North Down Cricket Club has felt compelled to cancel its cross-community Sport Summer Camp because of the intolerance of some.
'Sport has a unique power to bring people together.
"Children, including from East Belfast GAA, should be able to play together in an inclusive and respectful environment, to build friendships and get to know each other.
"Local political and community representatives have a responsibility to call out and stand against this type of intolerance and divisiveness. There should be no place in our society for the attitudes and prejudices behind these developments."
Meanwhile, Alliance MLA Kelly Armstrong said her party has offered North Down Cricket their full support after it has been met with 'hostility'.
'It is a disgrace the club felt it had to do that in the wake of such criticism,' Ms Armstrong said.
'Those who have criticised the club do not represent the vast majority of people in Comber or further afield in Strangford. The club was trying to bring positivity to the local community and has been met with hostility and bigotry from some quarters.
"We have contacted the club to give our full support and ensure they are aware the vast majority of the town stands with them.
'The people who have criticised the club and forced the postponement of the summer scheme need to realise denying children the right to play sport together for purely sectarian reasons is not acceptable on any level.'