Cricket Ireland and Special Olympics Ulster have both been forced to cancel events this week as the impact of continuing unrest in Northern Ireland begins to be felt across the sporting calendar.
Cricket Ireland confirmed that the Inter-Provincial T20 Festival scheduled to take place in Lisburn this week would not proceed as planned due to what it described as external factors.
In a short statement, the governing body said the safety and security of players, coaches and match officials was its most important priority.
“Cricket Ireland has today advised that the Inter-Provincial T20 Festival scheduled for Lisburn this week will not proceed as planned due to external factors,” the statement read.
“The safety and security of our players, coaches and match officials is our most important priority.
“We will provide further updates as they become available.”
The festival was due to form part of the Inter-Provincial Trophy calendar, with matches scheduled at Lisburn involving the Northern Knights, North West Warriors and Leinster Lightning.
Special Olympics Ulster has also cancelled its Team Ulster Launch Event, which had been due to take place at the Armagh City Hotel ahead of the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.
The event would have brought together athletes, families and supporters as part of the build-up to the Ireland National Games, which take place from June 18th to 21st and will involve more than 1,200 athletes across 12 sports.
In its own communication, Special Olympics Ireland said it was with great disappointment that the Team Ulster Launch Event had to be cancelled.
The two cancellations underline the growing concern for sporting organisations as disorder continued across parts of Northern Ireland into last night.
Other sporting events may now face similar risk assessments in the days ahead, particularly where athletes, families, officials, volunteers and supporters are due to travel or gather in significant numbers.
No further details have yet been provided by Cricket Ireland on whether the Inter-Provincial T20 fixtures will be rescheduled or relocated.
For Special Olympics Ulster, the cancellation removes an important moment of celebration for athletes and their families before one of the island’s biggest inclusive sporting events.
The decisions by both organisations reflect the priority being placed on safety and security at a time when wider circumstances are creating uncertainty for event organisers.
Special Olympics Ireland and Cricket Ireland are full members of Sport for Business.
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: Sport for Business
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
