Cricket club cancels summer camp amid criticism over inclusion of kids from GAA club
North Down Cricket Club, based in Comber, had planned the sport summer camp for young people from all different backgrounds, including the involvement ten different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA.
But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. Pic: North Down Cricket Club
In a statement on their website, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost.
Responding to commentary on social media, the club said;
'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 plan was to involve ten 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. Pic: Getty Images
'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.'
The statement quickly drew a lot of attention online and led to First Minister Michelle O'Neill to describe the events as 'deeply worrying developments'. First Minister Michelle O'Neill attending the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance,' she said in a statement on social media.
'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.'
UUP MLA Doug Beattie was also one of many who expressed disappointment at the backlash leading to the postponement.
'People may have concerns but we need to put this in perspective, this is about children and we should allow children to be children, and if that's playing sport, then playing sport,' he said while speaking to the BBC.
'If you've got an issue with the GAA, lets raise it with the GAA, lets not focus on kids.'
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