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The 42
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The 42
Sports camp cancelled after Orange lodge raises 'concerns' over inclusion of kids from GAA club
A CHILDREN'S SPORTS summer camp scheduled to take place in Co Down has been cancelled after the local Orange lodge raised 'significant concerns' over the inclusion of children from a GAA club. The camp was to be run by the North Down Cricket Club. The camp was to be broadly focused on cricket, the club said, including children from ten local sports and community clubs. Among them was a small group of children from a local GAA club, the club said in a statement. Goldsprings of Comber Loyal Orange Lodge stated that residents in the Comber area were concerned about the 'proposed or perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. It said that it supported the promotion of sport and youth engagement, but that local residents had reservations about the GAA's 'cultural and historical affiliations', saying that the organisation has in the past 'celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity'. It added that until the GAA takes 'meaningful steps' to ensure that it is inclusive and sensitive to the identity of the 'Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist community', it would be viewed with opposition. First Minister, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill, said that the developments are 'worrying and unacceptable'. Advertisement 'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance,' she said. O'Neill stated that political representatives need to send a message and overcome what she called 'unacceptable intolerance'. The cricket club at the centre of the storm said it reflects the 'best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage'. It welcomes people from all walks of life, it said, and the sports summer camp was meant to 'give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun'. In the wake of the negative reaction, the spirit of the camp was at the risk of being lost, and the club have decided not to proceed, it stated. '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.' Brian MacNeice, chair of Cricket Ireland, has put out a statement saying plans are being made to run a similar sports camp at Stormont. 'Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are dismayed and disappointed at the events which have led to the cancellation of the youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club,' MacNeice 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. 'We applaud 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. '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.' Written by Emma Hickey and posted on
The Journal
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Sports camp cancelled after Orange lodge raises 'concerns' over inclusion of kids from GAA club
A CHILDREN'S SPORTS summer camp scheduled to take place in Co Down has been cancelled after the local Orange lodge raised 'significant concerns' over the inclusion of children from a GAA club. The camp was to be run by the North Down Cricket Club. The camp was to be broadly focused on cricket, the club said, including children from ten local sports and community clubs. Among them was a small group of children from a local GAA club, the club said in a statement. Goldsprings of Comber Loyal Orange Lodge stated that residents in the Comber area were concerned about the 'proposed or perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. It said that it supported the promotion of sport and youth engagement, but that local residents had reservations about the GAA's 'cultural and historical affiliations', saying that the organisation has in the past 'celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity'. Advertisement It added that until the GAA takes 'meaningful steps' to ensure that it is inclusive and sensitive to the identity of the 'Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist community', it would be viewed with opposition. First Minister, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill, said that the developments are 'worrying and unacceptable'. 'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance,' she said. O'Neill stated that political representatives need to send a message and overcome what she called 'unacceptable intolerance'. The cricket club at the centre of the storm said it reflects the 'best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage'. It welcomes people from all walks of life, it said, and the sports summer camp was meant to 'give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun'. In the wake of the negative reaction, the spirit of the camp was at the risk of being lost, and the club have decided not to proceed, it stated. '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.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
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.'
