Children's camp cancelled as Orange lodge opposes GAA involvement

The cricket club in Comber had organised the children's event [BBC]

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.

Club wanted children 'to try something new'

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".

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Lodge says some GAA actions are viewed as 'divisive'

An Orange Order spokesman said the organistion had no comment to make about the issue [Getty Images]

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".

ADVERTISEMENT

"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.

What has the GAA club said?

East Belfast GAA is a relatively new club which was formed in June 2020 [Getty Images]

In a statement, East Belfast GAA said it was "disappointed" that its youth academy members "won't be enjoying a planned community sports event".

ADVERTISEMENT

"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".

First minister condemnation

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."

'It is a disgrace'

Kellie Armstrong said "denying children the right to play sport together for purely sectarian reasons is not acceptable" [BBC]

Alliance assembly member Kellie Armstrong said North Down Cricket Club had encountered "hostility and bigotry from some quarters".

ADVERTISEMENT

"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."

Click here to read article