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Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Little-Pengelly ‘disappointed' by kids' sport camp cancellation, but says there are ‘legitimate questions' for GAA
First Minister Michelle O'Neill also repeated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA. North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 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'. The North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month. Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush on Thursday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened. Ms Little-Pengelly said 'while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place'. 'Sport can be a great unifier,' she said. 'It's been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp. 'I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club. 'Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp. ADVERTISEMENT 'Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.' Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together Michelle O'Neill, First Minister Meanwhile, Ms O'Neill said she was 'quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that'. 'I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along," she added. 'For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited. 'It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.' It comes as Holywood-born actor Jamie Dornan also waded into the row, commenting on an animated video based on the controversy. The creator of the animated skit, Patrick Maguire, is well known online for his satirical portrayal of current events in Northern Ireland. Responding on Instagram in a comment under the post, Dornan wrote: 'Terrifyingly accurate as usual.' Separately, Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew has called on the Communities Minister to support the alternative summer camp at Stormont which will replace the cancelled Comber event. He said: 'As the minister responsible for sport, Gordon Lyons should be vocal in supporting events where children and young people can play together, learn new sports, make friends and build relationships.'
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Cancellation of children's camp after opposition to GAA inclusion ‘deeply worrying', O'Neill says
The cancellation of a children's summer camp in Co Down after opposition to the inclusion of the GAA is 'deeply worrying and unacceptable', First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said. North Down Cricket Club, based in Comber, had planned the sports camp for young people from different backgrounds and 10 different groups were to be involved, including East Belfast GAA. However, the local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. The cricket club later published a statement saying it had cancelled the cross-community event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. READ MORE Responding to commentary on social media, the club said it welcomes people from all walks of life and had aimed to build friendships through shared activity. 'A small group of children from a GAA club was just one part of that broader mix,' it said. '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.' Ms O'Neill, the Sinn Féin vice-president, said she believed 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,' she said in a social media post. '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.' Brian MacNeice, chair of Cricket Ireland, said the organisation and the Northern Cricket Union are 'dismayed' at the events that led to the camp's cancellation. [ The future for GAA clubs: Changing demographics leave rural and urban clubs with major challenges Opens in new window ] 'It can only be to the detriment of the children concerned that this cancellation has occurred,' he said. 'We are committed to following through on the initiative and Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are making plans to run a similar sports camp at Stormont. We have therefore approached East Belfast GAA and offered an opportunity to participate in this alternative sports camp which will also include other sports clubs.' He called on 'all community leaders to show leadership and actively support this initiative'. UUP MLA Doug Beattie told the BBC: '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.' – PA
Extra.ie
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Cricket club cancels summer camp amid criticism over inclusion of kids from GAA club
Northern Ireland's First Minister was one of many to have expressed dismay following a cricket club that felt forced to cancel their kids' summer camp after backlash from groups about the involvement of kids from a 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Alliance MLA questions how ‘children playing cricket will erode culture' after cancellation of kids' event
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.'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Children's camp cancelled as Orange lodge opposes GAA involvement
A cross-community sports summer camp in County Down has been cancelled after opposition to the involvement of a "small group of children from a GAA club". North Down Cricket Club, based in Comber, had planned to host the event for young people from different backgrounds, including some from East Belfast GAA, on Friday. However, a local Orange Lodge said there were concerns about the "perceived move of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) into the local community", which it said had come from some local residents. The cricket club said following comment on social media, the "spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost" and it had decided not to proceed with the event. North Down Cricket Club said it had been an important part of Comber since 1857 "with deep roots, proud traditions, and a strong sense of identity". It added: "Cricket is a global game made up of many faiths and cultures, and that is reflected here at the green. What unites us is the game. "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 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." The cricket club said 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," its statement added. Goldsprings of Comber Orange lodge posted a message on social media saying that "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. "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," the lodge added. "This issue is not 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." A spokesman for the Orange Order told BBC News NI the organisation had no comment to make about the issue. In a statement, East Belfast GAA said it was "disappointed" that its youth academy members "won't be enjoying a planned community sports event". "This was a great opportunity to engage with those who share our values of respect, togetherness, and inclusion," it said. "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." The club said it looked forward to "future opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups from Belfast and beyond". In a post on X, First Minister Michelle 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." Alliance assembly member Kellie Armstrong said North Down Cricket Club had encountered "hostility and bigotry from some quarters". "This summer scheme has now been cancelled due to some online commentary. "It is a disgrace the club felt it had to do that in the wake of such criticism. "Those who have criticised the club do not represent the vast majority of people in Comber or further afield in Strangford," Ms Armstrong added. "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."
