News

The following is a statement from Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland regarding events at a youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club.

Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland:

“Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are dismayed and disappointed at the events which have led to the cancellation of the youth sports camp at North Down Cricket Club.

“North Down has been at the forefront of youth development in recent times. Participation in multiple sports by young people has been recognised as having considerable benefits both in sporting terms and mental wellbeing. It can only be to the detriment of the children concerned that this cancellation has occurred.

“Cricket is a sport for all and both CI and NCU actively encourage diversity, inclusion and equality in our game. Working with other sports in the sharing of facilities and the creation of opportunities for young people is a key aspect of this strategy.

“We applaud North Down Cricket Club’s initiative in planning the sports camp. We are committed to following through on the initiative and Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union are making plans to run a similar sports camp at Stormont. We have therefore approached East Belfast GAA and offered an opportunity to participate in this alternative sports camp which will also include other sports clubs. We look forward to further engagement with the GAA, and other governing bodies, for the benefit of all.

“We call on all community leaders to show leadership and actively support this initiative. Sport can bring communities together and we must all act in partnership to ensure this is the case.”

Background reference here.