The Chair of Cricket Ireland has expressed dismay and disappointment at the events leading to the cancellation of a youth sports camp in Co Down.
It comes after North Down Cricket Club in Co Down cancelled a cross-community summer sports club camp following criticism on social media of the inclusion of children who play GAA.
The club, based in Comber, said it had planned to invite ten different local sports clubs and community groups - including organisations supporting ethnic minorities - to participate. It said the aim was to build friendships through shared enjoyment of sport, with the camp due to start on Friday.
Among those to criticise the summer camp was one of Comber's Orange lodges.
Goldsprings of Comber said many local residents had raised concerns about the GAA's "cultural and historical affiliations". Specifically it said there was unease about aspects of the GAA that had the commemorated people who had been involved in paramilitary activity.
Chair of Cricket Ireland Brian MacNeice said the cancelling of the event "can only be to the detriment of the children concerned."
"North Down has been at the forefront of youth development in recent times," he said.
"Participation in multiple sports by young people has been recognised as having considerable benefits both in sporting terms and mental wellbeing."
Both Cricket Ireland (CI) and Northern Cricket Union (NCU) said they are seeking unity on the issue.
"Cricket is a sport for all and both CI and NCU actively encourage diversity, inclusion and equality in our game," Mr MacNeice said.
He added: "Working with other sports in the sharing of facilities and the creation of opportunities for young people is a key aspect of this strategy."
Mr MacNeice said that both bodies applaud North Down Cricket Club's initiative in planning the sports camp and 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," he said.
"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."
