O’Neill dismayed at cancellation of children’s sports camp over GAA link

By Rebecca Black (PA)

Northern Ireland’s First Minister has expressed dismay following the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp following opposition to the inclusion of the GAA.

North Down Cricket Club, based in Comber, had planned the sport summer camp for young people from 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”.

In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it has 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 it welcomes people from all walks of life.

It said the camp had been planned 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,” it 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.

“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.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described “deeply worrying developments”.

“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.”

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said children are losing out.

“It sends a signal to those who have been doing the intimidating that somehow they were right, they are not, they’re wrong,” she told the BBC.

“The majority of people from Comber and people I’ve spoken to are very angry about this minority, and I think that Comber would rather turn around and say ‘no, everyone’s welcome here’.”

UUP MLA Doug Beattie also expressed disappointment.

“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 told the BBC.

“If you’ve got an issue with the GAA, lets raise it with the GAA, lets not focus on kids.”