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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.'
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.'
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘Disturbing': Co Down sports camp cancelled as Orange lodge notes ‘significant concerns' with GAA involvement
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.'
Belfast Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Children's sports camp cancelled as Orange lodge notes ‘significant concerns' with GAA involvement
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 Fein 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.'
