Veteran Conor Lehane keen to make his mark for Cork after 12-year wait for return to All-Ireland final stage
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Irish Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
GAA Palestine enlist help of intercounty stars for camp after Irish visa denial
GAA Palestine have organised a camp in Jordan involving inter-county hurlers for the team of children and mentors whose planned trip to Ireland for a summer tour from today was blocked by the Department of Justice. The club was forced to cancel the trip earlier this week after the denial of visa entries for the 33 children and 14 mentors, a decision described by GAA Palestine as "heartbreaking", and was forced to look at alternative arrangements. It has now announced a 10-day summer camp in Amman with Dublin hurlers Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitely, who both played in the recent All-Ireland SHC semi-final loss to Cork, will join the tour, along with former Waterford Inter-county hurler Shane Casey. "These inspiring players will travel to Amman on Saturday to lead the camp, bringing with them the vibrant energy, professionalism and rich traditions of Gaelic games," read a statement from the club. "In the face of unforeseen challenges, GAA Palestine refuses to be defeated. When a recent visa entry denial prevented their scheduled trip to Ireland, the resilience of these young athletes and their dedicated supporters ignited a new path — one filled with hope, determination, and community. "Despite the heartbreaking decision to cancel their Irish tour, GAA Palestine has turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough. We are proud to announce the launch of a 10-day summer camp in Amman, Jordan, where our GAA Palestine players and mentors will experience the joy of sport, friendship, and cultural exchange — a testament to their unwavering spirit. Conor Donohoe of Dublin (Image: ©INPHO/Leah Scholes) "Today, we celebrate a moment of triumph — the young players and mentors arrived in Amman, greeted warmly by members of the GAA Palestine team. Their arrival marks a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine, who continue to defy barriers and inspire us all. "The summer camp promises an unforgettable experience, blending sport with culture and adventure. Participants will explore the historic Amman Citadel, visit the bustling Souk Mango, and enjoy exhilarating ziplining, buggy rides, and climbing adventures at Forest Park. "They will watch the All-Ireland hurling final on a big screen, connect with local landmarks like the King Abdullah I Mosque, and indulge in fun-filled days at amusement and water parks. Most importantly, they will learn and grow through coaching sessions led by our committed volunteers and coaches. Children from GAA clubs across the country joined forces ahead of the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Donegal and Meath at Croke Park to appeal to the Irish government to let the 33 children into Ireland for their GAA Palestine Irish tour (Image: ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon) "While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures. "This remarkable feat would not have been possible without the generosity of donors, the tireless efforts of volunteers, our inter-county players, and the unwavering dedication of all members of GAA Palestine. Your support fuels their dreams and proves that together, we can overcome any obstacle. "GAA Palestine are calling on all supporters to join the National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday, 19th July at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance. "We are calling all GAA fans who are Up For the Match, to also show Up For the March in their county colours, and walk with us behind the GAA Palestine and LET THEM PLAY banners, to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the wake of the cancellation of the Irish Summer Tour." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Irish Independent
25 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Rebels here, there, everywhere! Cork hurlers will be cheered on from across the globe this Sunday
That's the population of Cork city and county, according to the last Census in 2022. The largest, proudest, and some would say cockiest county in the country. Cork people will tell you that the least amount of people emigrate from the Rebel County, and the most return to settle on the Banks of the Lee (a fact that's yet to be verified), but in spite of this, you're still likely to spot a Corkonian somewhere across the world. And as the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship rolls around this Sunday, houses and gardens from Auckland to Vancouver are being dressed up in the red and white, as those who can't make it home for the huge match do their best to connect home, with the Rebels looking to secure their 31st Liam MacCarthy Cup. One man who will be at Croker, making his sixth trip back home to support the Rebels, is Luxembourg-resident Damien Higgins. 'I've been here for the last 20 years, but try and make it back at least four or five times a year for matches, whether it's the hurlers, the footballers, or Cork City games. 'This year I've made it to the Tipperary round robin game and the semi-final against Dublin, as well as getting both games against Kerry for the footballers, and three home Cork City matches at Christmas. 'My Dad used to be a referee, so I would have gotten tickets through him, but last year I had to hit the roads early in Dublin to try and get a ticket for the final against Clare. I was planning to do the same this year, but thankfully, someone back home has come up with a ticket last minute.' Damien says it's hard to explain the obsession to his European colleagues. 'No, they don't get it at all,' Damien laughs. 'They don't understand why I'd be spending all this money and days off to try and get home. Usually, I'd fly from Luxembourg to Dublin, which is the plan for this weekend, but you can also fly from Zurich or Charleroi to Cork, so there are plenty of options. 'If Cork play their best hurling, I think they'll win, I'm cautiously optimistic, you could say!' Learn more The Facebook group, 'Corkonians far and wide', currently has over 22,000 members and was founded by Cork native Barry Murphy, who currently resides in the historic town of Christchurch in Dorset. 'I'll be glued to the telly in the house,' Barry says. 'I'm trying to get another Cork fella living near me to join us. 'I get to hear Cork news as fast as anyone at home, it's like I never left! I fly the Cork flag wherever I go, and the fridge will be full Cork style ahead of Sunday!' Francis and Cheri Harrington already have the Cork flag flying proudly outside their home in Dundas, Ontario, Canada. Francis is a Bantry native and also has the house stocked ahead of the game. 'Up the Rebels!' he says, decked out in his Cork gear. Flags on the deck are also being displayed at the home of Dermot Hayes, who went to Germany to follow the Irish soccer team in their inaugural European Championships in 1988, and is sporting Cork, Munster, and Ireland flags – in that order. And with a 7.30 am start, local, Dermot hopefully has understanding neighbours, who will undoubtedly be woken up by their Irish neighbour watching their strange sport, if Cork lift Liam once again!
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
GAA Palestine travels to Jordan with Irish tour cancelled
GAA Palestine has confirmed that its players and mentors have travelled to Jordan for a summer camp, after visa denials caused the cancellation of a planned tour of Ireland. In a statement, the club said despite the "heartbreaking" decision to cancel the Irish tour, they have "turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough" with the announcement of a ten-day summer camp in the Jordanian capital Amman. A team of 33 children and 14 mentors from the West Bank were due to travel to Ireland for a summer tour today, but were denied entry by the Department of Justice. They subsequently lodged an appeal but were forced to cancel the tour as the appeal would not be assessed before the planned departure date. The team will be joined in Jordan by Dublin intercounty hurlers Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitely as well as former Waterford player Shane Casey. "Today, we celebrate a moment of triumph - the young players and mentors arrived in Amman, greeted warmly by members of the GAA Palestine team," GAA Palestine said. "Their arrival marks a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine, who continue to defy barriers and inspire us all. "The summer camp promises an unforgettable experience, blending sport with culture and adventure." The team are due to watch the All-Ireland Hurling Final on a big screen on Sunday. The club called on those attending the hurling final to also attend the National Demonstration for Palestine which takes place in Dublin the day before. While in Amman, the players and mentors will visit adventure and water parks and take in local landmarks such as the Amman Citadel. Most importantly, the club said, the players will "learn and grow" through coaching sessions led by volunteers and coaches. "While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope - a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures. "GAA Palestine's journey continues - stronger, united, and full of hope."
