Over the past few days, we’ve been overwhelmed by the many messages of support from across Comber and beyond — from club members, former players, parents, and friends from all walks of life. We’re grateful for every one of them.
We also want to be clear on a couple of facts.
The event was cancelled on Monday morning following concerns raised privately — and later publicly on social media.
This decision was taken before any comment or statement from Goldsprings Lodge, and was not influenced by them. At no point did we suggest otherwise.
We’re grateful to them for subsequently reaching out in a spirit of clarity and respectful communication.
We’re proud of the friendships we’ve built across the community, including long-standing ties with Goldsprings and many other local lodges. Many of our members have links in both directions, and we fully respect the contribution these organisations have made to the fabric of Comber — and to this club.
At North Down, we believe strongly in respect, in openness, and in the idea that people can hold different views — even strong ones — and still move forward together. We don’t believe that learning about another culture has to dilute your own. Quite the opposite — it’s a sign of strength to share what you have. In cricketing speak, to “get on the front foot.”
There’s been a lot of noise around this issue, much of it from outside Comber. That may suit some agendas — but it’s not who we are. We’re just a cricket club, with deep roots in this town, doing our best to provide children with every chance to thrive — on and off the field.
We’ll keep doing just that.
Our 1st XI host Waringstown in the Premier League this Saturday. Everyone is welcome at The Green — as always.
This will be our final comment on the matter. Let’s play cricket.
