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ITV News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Comber cross-community cricket event rescheduled for Stormont after Orange GAA objection
Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union have said they are 'dismayed' by the events that led to a cross-community summer camp in Comber being pulled over opposition to GAA involvement. The cricket bodies have announced their plans to reschedule the event in the grounds of Stormont after MLAs, including the First Minister Michelle O'Neill, expressed their disappointment at the cancellation. North Down Cricket Club had planned the sport summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, with the involvement of 10 different groups. However, the involvement of East Belfast GAA was highlighted by the Local Orange lodge. Organisers were forced to call off the event after the lodge, Goldsprings of Comber, said residents were concerned about the 'perceived move of the GAA in the local community'. In a statement, North Down Cricket Club said: "The Sport Summer Camp was created to give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket.... "The plan was to involve 10 different local sports and community groups .... 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." Goldsprings of Comber Orange Lodge said that while the promotion of sport is widely supported across the community, some locals had objected to the GAAs involvement. In a Facebook post it said: "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. "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." Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said children were losing out.'It is not just the children that play GAA, it is the children that play for [North Down Cricket Club],' she told UTV.'It could have been a opportunity for the [cricket club] to attract new players.... "Unfortunately those boys and girls have been denied that opportunity." In a tweet, First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed her disappointment. "These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unify," she said. UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt said: "There are legitimate ways of expressing concerns about how any organisation conducts itself, including the GAA. Dragging children into the debate is not one of them." UTV received no response from the DUP. Brian MacNeice, chair of Cricket Ireland (CI), said they were calling on all community leaders to show leadership and actively support this initiative.'Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) are dismayed and disappointed at the events which have led to the cancellation of the youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club,' he said.'North Down has been at the forefront of youth development in recent times. Participation in multiple sports by young people has been recognised as having considerable benefits both in sporting terms and mental wellbeing. It can only be to the detriment of the children concerned that this cancellation has occurred.'Cricket is a sport for all and both CI and NCU actively encourage diversity, inclusion and equality in our game. Working with other sports in the sharing of facilities and the creation of opportunities for young people is a key aspect of this strategy.'Mr MacNeice said Cricket Ireland applauded North Down Cricket Club's initiative in planning the sports camp.'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,' he said.'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.'We look forward to further engagement with the GAA, and other governing bodies, for the benefit of all.'We call on all community leaders to show leadership and actively support this initiative. Sport can bring communities together and we must all act in partnership to ensure this is the case.'
Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Alliance MLA ‘disgusted' at opposition to kids' event which has now been cancelled
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong also believes the group of loyalists are showing 'intolerance' over the camp in Comber. MLA Kellie Armstrong 'disgusted' after children's cricket club cancelled after opposition to GAA Club 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.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the situation as 'deeply worrying' and 'unacceptable'. East Belfast GAA – who were planning on sending a number of children from their club to take part – also expressed 'disappointment'. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Armstrong said the complaints opposing the event came from a group that calls themselves 'the local loyalists of Comber and the local Orange Order'. 'Any opportunity for children to come together to play sports, to get to know each other... is to be welcomed. We need more of that across Northern Ireland. For the club to have to pull an event because some people's outdated and backward considerations is wrong.' Ms Armstrong added: 'We have children that enjoy shared education, integrated education, that play other sports with each other all the time – why single out this one sports activity, a summer scheme where kids would be outdoors playing, learning a new sport, getting together, having a bit of craic and it's upsetting a minority of adults. "My heart goes out to North Down Cricket Club to be honest. Any sports club depends on its volunteers and of course they'll look to protect the children that'll be coming together…. their decision is theirs to make and it's probably the right one when thinking about safety.' She also said that residents from Comber and further afield had come together and made 'some very vicious and vile comments about the fact that children from other backgrounds were coming to Comber.' She concluded: 'I'd like to ask for clarification from those groups and the Orange Order if they support excluding people. They've talked about inclusiveness but what I'm hearing is intolerance. Perhaps it's time that the Orange Order and other unionist politicians stood up and actually said how they felt about it.' Speaking on the Nolan Show this morning, TUV Councillor Ron McDowell said that the statement from Comber Orange Lodge has been 'read into' and that the lodge's complaint is not in opposition to sport. 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, 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 bomb threats over recent years – spoke out about the controversy. '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 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 its 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, 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." 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.'
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.'
Belfast Telegraph
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Five questions that Stormont leaders delayed answering for months
Submitted: May 16, 2024 Draft answer provided: May 21, 2024 Question answered: February 25, 2025 Delay: 280 days Q: Detail any engagement they have had with (i) the UK government; (ii) the European Union; and (iii) the US government in relation to (a) divestment and sanctions against the State of Israel relating to its military operation in Gaza; and (b) funding protection and enhancement for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. A: Decisions on the matters raised in the question relate to foreign policy and are therefore excepted. There has been no engagement with the UK Government, the European Union, or the US Government on them. There is no joint agreement on this issue. Question from SDLP MLA Justin McNulty Submitted: May 16, 2024 Draft answer provided: May 21, 2024 Question answered: February 25, 2025 Delay: 280 days Q: Whether they will undertake a review of contracts awarded by their Department to identify whether public funds are being used, directly or indirectly, to fund the State of Israel during its military operation in Gaza. A: There are no plans at present to undertake a review. There is no joint agreement on this issue. Question from Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong Submitted: February 15, 2024 Draft answer provided: February 20, 2024 Question answered: November 19, 2024 Delay: 273 days Q: To ask the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for an update on the Equality Act. A: There are extensive legal protections in place in respect of equality in this jurisdiction. There is also work being undertaken that will enhance the current legislative framework specifically in respect of the Review of the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997. There is no agreement on a single Equality Bill. Question from SDLP MLA Justin McNulty Submitted: May 22, 2024 Draft answer provided: May 28, 2024 Question answered: February 25 2025 Delay: 273 days Q: Whether they will write to (i) An Taoiseach following Ireland's decision to recognise the State of Palestine; and (ii) the Prime Minister in relation to the recognition of a Palestinian state. A: Foreign Relations including the formal recognition of states is an excepted matter for the UK Government. There are no plans at present to write to either An Taoiseach or the Prime Minister in relation to this matter. There is no joint agreement on this issue. Question from Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong Submitted: Draft answer provided: November 6, 2024 Question answered: May 8, 2025 Delay: 183 days Q: Detail why a Citizens' Assembly has not progressed in line with the commitment in New Decade, New Approach. A: Civic engagement plays an important role in supporting policy development. We continue to assess options for the way forward.
