Cricket Ireland Offers Alternative Venue Amid Comber Sports Row

North Down Cricket Club has cancelled its planned summer sports camp, which was set to involve ten different groups, including young Gaelic players, following significant community backlash in Comber, County Down. The decision has sparked criticism from various political leaders, who argue that local children should not suffer due to broader community tensions concerning the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Doug Beattie, former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, condemned the cancellation, stating that children “should not be held accountable for the failure of the GAA to address issues of concern.” First Minister Michelle O’Neill expressed her deep worry over the situation, while Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong emphasized the impact on children who are losing opportunities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Goldsprings of Comber Orange Lodge voiced concerns from local residents regarding the GAA’s engagement in the community. The lodge noted that while promoting sport and youth involvement is generally supported, many residents raised reservations about the GAA’s cultural affiliations. They specifically highlighted unease over the organization’s past celebrations of individuals linked to paramilitary activity.

The lodge stated, “For a shared and peaceful future, such actions are viewed by some as divisive and incompatible with a truly inclusive society.” They added that residents would view the GAA’s presence in Comber with regret and opposition unless the organization takes meaningful steps towards inclusivity and sensitivity to the history and identity of the Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist (PUL) community.

Emphasizing that the issue is not about opposing sports, the lodge articulated the need for all organizations in shared spaces to demonstrate respect for all traditions and work toward reconciliation.

In response to the cancellation, North Down Cricket Club released its own statement, asserting that it reflects “the best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage — confident, welcoming, and grounded in respect.” They affirmed, “Openness is not a threat. Respect is not surrender. And our culture is not so fragile that it can’t be shared.”

On Wednesday, Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, expressed his disappointment over the events. He stated that both Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are dismayed by the cancellation, which he noted detrimentally affects local children. “Cricket is a sport for all, and both CI and NCU actively encourage diversity, inclusion, and equality in our game,” MacNeice said.

He announced plans for a similar sports camp at Stormont in July 2024, signifying a commitment to youth development in the region. Cricket Ireland has reached out to East Belfast GAA to invite participation in this alternative sports camp, which will also include other sports clubs.

MacNeice urged all community leaders to “show leadership and actively support this initiative.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration among sports organizations to create opportunities for young people, reaffirming the commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in the sporting community.