Children’s sports camp in Co Down cancelled over presence of GAA kids

A cross-community children’s sports camp in Northern Ireland has been cancelled after concerns were raised regarding the presence of those with a GAA background.

North Down Cricket Club, in Comber, had organised a camp to bring children from different backgrounds together to try out cricket.

These groups included “organisations supporting ethnic minority communities” and a small group from a GAA club.

However, following concerns and criticism, the camp was cancelled.

The club released a statement expressing its regret over the turn of events.

They 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.

“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.”

You can read the full statement here.

One of the groups to raise concerns was the Goldsprings of Comber, the town Orange lodge.

In a statement they said: “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 community, its presence in Comber would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber community.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, was one of those to criticise the actions of those who forced the event to be cancelled.

She said: “Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance. These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable.”