Young people unite at sports camp after cancellation of previous event over GAA involvement

More than 150 young people have been brought together for a sports camp which came after a similar event was cancelled amid a row last month.

Cricket Ireland hosted the event in the grounds of Stormont estate which saw youngsters from across the North and Co Donegal play sport together.

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Stormont Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron also attended the Cricket Connects Camp at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Tuesday.

Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice (centre), with Junior Ministers Pam Cameron (left) and Aisling Reilly (right), and some young participants from the day’s events (Brown O’Connor Communications/PA)

In July a planned summer sports camp event in Comber, Co Down, was called off after concerns were voiced by some over the participation of the GAA.

North Down Cricket Club then said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost.

Cricket Ireland announced its intention to step in and arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont.

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On Tuesday young people, described as being from a wide range of sporting backgrounds, including GAA, hockey, and rugby, took part in the camp.

Cricket Ireland said the event forms part of its ongoing commitment to growing grassroots participation and work in partnership with other sporting bodies to break down barriers and create shared opportunities for young people.

Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice said the event offered the young people an opportunity to try different sports.

“Cricket is one of the most welcoming sports in Ireland and we have a long, proud history of working collaboratively with other sporting bodies and community groups to encourage kids to get involved in physical activities,” he said.

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“As a sport, cricket is for everyone, but while today’s camp offered a chance for many local kids to try cricket for the first time, it also allowed them to experience each other’s sports in a fun and supportive setting.

“Looking around us, what is obvious to me is the power of sport as a means to bring people together, promote inclusiveness and strengthen community bonds, particularly among the next generation.”

Mr MacNeice added: “This event was a true team effort to put together.

“We would like to thank Sport NI and the NI Government for their support, NICSSA for providing this fantastic venue and our sports industry partners for their enthusiasm and commitment.

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“We also couldn’t have done it without the many cricket community volunteers, community partners and sponsors who ensured this year’s event went ahead in style.”

Ms Reilly praised those involved.

“It is fantastic to see so many young people involved in this Cricket Ireland event and enjoying all the physical and mental benefits of taking part in sports,” she said.

📡 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

150 kids attend Cricket Connects summer camp which was held today in Stormont.

Full story ➡️ https://t.co/6P7dsZLw8Q#IrishCricket pic.twitter.com/Z4YVhPfRXM — Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) August 19, 2025

“Through sports, children learn to be competitive, to strive to succeed and how to cope with the ups and downs of winning and losing.

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“Today’s Cricket Connects Camp is a great example of how sports can unite young people from different backgrounds and from across this island to a team and build new friendships.”

Ms Cameron said: “I was delighted to be able to attend today’s Cricket Connects Camp and to meet with the young people taking part in the activities.

“We want to see a better shared future for everyone, and sport is such a powerful medium for bringing young people across Northern Ireland together and laying the foundations to build long-lasting friendships.

“I want to congratulate Cricket Ireland on hosting the event and their ongoing work in encouraging grassroots participation and helping to get more children involved in sport.”

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