Cricket Ireland and Northern Cricket Union Condemn Camp Cancellation
First Minister Michelle O’Neill Calls Situation ‘Deeply Worrying’
Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union have jointly expressed their discontent over the recent events leading to the cancellation of a youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club. They have invited East Belfast GAA, a club responsible for sending children to the cancelled camp, to join them in a new initiative planned at Stormont.
The controversy originated when the cross-community camp faced backlash from a local lodge due to its invitation to a group of children from the GAA. Michelle O’Neill described the situation as “deeply worrying” and asserted it was “unacceptable.”
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, expressed profound disappointment regarding the cancellation. He commended the North Down Cricket Club’s initiative in organizing the camp, emphasizing the benefits of multi-sport participation for youth, both in sporting terms and mental well-being.
The statement further applauded North Down’s efforts and reiterated that Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are committed to hosting a similar sports camp at Stormont. They are looking forward to increased cooperation with the GAA and other governing bodies for mutual benefits.
The uproar over the cancellation has been echoed by an Alliance MLA who expressed indignation towards the opposition led by local loyalist groups and the Orange Order. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong condemned their intolerance and supported the idea of fostering sports engagement among children from varying backgrounds.
Amid the ongoing debate, TUV Councillor Ron McDowell defended the local lodge’s complaints, stating that they were not against sports. O’Neill reiterated the need for children to play together free from intolerance and called for political representatives to challenge such unacceptable behavior in society.
