Sports summer camp cancelled as Orange lodge raises ‘significant concerns’ over children from GAA club

The inclusion of children from a GAA club in a cross-community sports event led to opposition from a local Orange lodge and some residents in Comber.

A cross-community kids’ sports event in Co Down has been cancelled after the hosts faced a backlash over the involvement of a “small group of children from a GAA club”.

North Down Cricket Club planned to host the Sport Summer Camp at their grounds in Comber on Friday, but have axed the event over concerns raised about young participants from East Belfast GAA.

The opposition to Gaelic football and hurling-playing children has been made by a local Orange lodge, along with some Comber residents on social media.

In a statement, a spokesperson for North Down Cricket Club said it “has been an important part of Comber since 1857 — the oldest sporting club in the town, with deep roots, proud traditions, and a strong sense of identity".

“We reflect the best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage — confident, welcoming, and grounded in respect," they said.

North Down Cricket Club's grounds in Comber, Co Down. PICTURE: NORTH DOWN CRICKET CLUB/FACEBOOK

“This club wasn’t just built by Comber families — it’s still made up of them. For generations, people from this town have given their time and care to something bigger than themselves. What they passed on wasn’t just facilities — it was a culture of decency, community and quiet pride. That’s the tradition we’re proud to continue."

They continued: “It’s often been sport that’s brought people together when little else could: shared pride, shared joy, shared ground.

“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."

The club spokesperson added: “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."

In a statement posted to social media, a spokesperson for the Comber-based Goldsprings Loyal Orange Lodge said residents in the town “had expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed or perceived move of the GAA into the local community”.

“Whilst the promotion of sport and youth engagement is widely supported across all sectors of society, many local residents have raised reservations about the GAA’s cultural and historical affiliations.

“Specifically there is unease regarding aspects of the organisation that have, in the past, celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity.

“For a shared and peaceful future, such actions are viewed by some as divisive and incompatible with a truly inclusive society.

“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 (PUL) community, its presence in Comber would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area.”

They added: “This issue is not about about opposition to sport, but about ensuring that all organisations operating in shared spaces demonstrate respect for all traditions and work proactively towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.”

One poster on a Comber-based Facebook page opposing the involvement of children form a GAA club said her grandfather “would be turning over in his grave”.

Ards and North Down SDLP councillor Joe Boyle, who also chairs the Ards and North Down Sports Forum, told the Irish News he felt “extreme disappointment” at the opposition to children from a GAA club taking part in the event.

“It’s a real pity that some people have this level of dislike towards the GAA, when it has made tremendous steps over the years to offer a welcoming hand to anyone of any background to take part,” he said.

“I hope those opposing children from a GAA background can reflect on this.”

Alliance North Down MLA Kellie Armstrong said it was a “disgrace” that opposition to the event led to its cancellation.

“Those who have criticised the club do not represent the vast majority of people in Comber or further afield in Strangford,” she said.

“The club was trying to bring positivity to the local community and has been met with hostility and bigotry from some quarters. We have contacted the club to give our full support and ensure they are aware the vast majority of the town stands with them.”

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