Palestine GAA team denied visas for Irish summer tour
As first reported by RTE, 33 children and 14 mentors were due to land in Ireland on 18 July for a summer tour but have seen their visas denied.
Releasing a statement through social media, the GAA team said: "Our Irish visa applications for the GAA Palestine summer tour have been refused by the Irish Immigration Service.
"To say that we are deeply disappointed is an understatement. We will be appealing this decision imminently.
"Our hearts right now are with the 33 young hurlers and 14 mentors who are so looking forward to being welcomed to Ireland next week.
"Against all odds, we're doing all we can to make this tour happen. We're not giving up hope... "
Chairperson Steven Redmond added that he believed that all documentation was all in order but a statement released to the national broadcaster said there was a lack of compliance within the visa application.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the decision, saying: "What on Earth is the Irish government at?! They say they stand with Palestine, but delay visas for a small number of children seriously injured in Israel's genocide, coming to Ireland for urgent medical treatment.
"Now, they refuse visas for children living through a daily onslaught who were due to come here for a few weeks to play hurling and football. GAA clubs across the country were busy preparing for their arrival. Children now left devastated. The government needs to sort this out!"
The club has now launched an extensive social media campaign to allow the team to travel to Ireland and have said that they will be appealing the decision with the trip planned to take place next Saturday.
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