Community cricket event to be rescheduled after complaint over GAA involvement

A plan has been announced to reschedule a cross-community sports event after it was cancelled when an Orange lodge raised concern at the involvement of the GAA.

The North’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, was among the political representatives who expressed dismay following the cancellation of the event which had been due to take place in Comber, Co Down, on Friday.

North Down Cricket Club had planned the sport summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 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”.

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… https://t.co/3rN6koAc6R

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) July 15, 2025

In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it 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.

On Wednesday afternoon, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont.

Brian MacNeice, chair of Cricket Ireland (CI), said they are calling on all community leaders to show