Palestinian GAA clubs to visit Dublin on cultural and sporting exchange

Irish Independent

3 days ago

The tour, running from July 18 to August 1, will see 47 participants travelling to Dublin, this includes 33 children aged between 9 and 16.
The initiative is organised by GAA Palestine, a grassroots movement founded just over a year ago and supported by a number of Irish GAA clubs and volunteers.
The itinerary includes matches, sightseeing and shared cultural experiences with local clubs.
In Dublin, the group will begin with a four-night stay hosted by families from Fingallians GAA and Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels.
Highlights include a VIP tour of Croke Park with GAA President Jarlath Burns, a visit to Dublin Zoo, and a trip to the beach—many for the first time.
Fingallians GAA Club chairman Charlie Rogan said the idea of welcoming the group 'just made sense'.
'Everyone belongs, no matter where you're from,' he told the Irish Independent.
'We've had lots of members coming behind this. These young lads and girls are travelling from the West Bank to Egypt, then on to Ireland.
'Most won't have met their host families before, but they'll be well looked after, coached by our club and introduced to a packed few days,' he added.
After Dublin, the group will travel through Carlow to Thurles, Co Tipperary—the birthplace of the GAA—where they'll tour Semple Stadium and take part in a blitz at Dr Morris Park alongside clubs like Burgess, Drom & Inch and Borris-Ileigh.
They'll then head to Cork, where activities include a boat tour of Bantry Bay and a train ride to Cobh—both firsts for many of the children.
They'll also visit Páirc Uí Chaoimh and take part in a Palestinian solidarity march on July 26, led by local children and the touring party.
Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels are also playing host and will welcome the group around the time of the All-Ireland final.
Hughie Cullen a member of organising committee in the club said that hosting the GAA clubs from the West Bank was something everyone in the community was excited about.
'A lot of our members had been going to the national marches, calling for peace,' he said.
'When GAA Palestine reached out, we were only too happy to jump in. For us, it's a humanitarian thing.'
Mr Cullen said the club is preparing a warm welcome that includes a mix of Irish and Palestinian food.
He added: 'We've got spice boxes, fish and chips—and hopefully a local Palestinian chef cooking a traditional dish.'
The club have also set up a fundraiser to help support the GAA Palestine Summer Tour with some of the funds helping to buy equipment such as hurls and helmets for the Palestinian GAA clubs.
The group also plans to visit County Clare with host club Éire Óg before a final potential leg north to Belfast and Derry—though that leg depends on visa approvals.
GAA Palestine founder Stephen Redmond thanked volunteers and donors who have supported the effort.
'I want to express my deepest thanks to every volunteer who has given their time and heart to support GAA Palestine, and to each and every person who has generously donated to our fundraiser—your solidarity means the world,' he said.
'We're also truly grateful to our amazing partners: Paddywagon, Forsa, O'Neills. Their support has helped turn our vision into reality.'
He's also calling on political representatives to support what he describes as a 'common-sense approach' to allowing access to the North for Palestinian athletes.
'It's not safe or right to ask children to travel dangerous roads in the West Bank just to attend interviews and then pay around £10,000 for visas for a two-night stay. We need solutions that prioritise care and safety.'
The first Palestinian GAA club, Moataz Sarsour GAA, was formed in Ramallah in 2023 and named after a 17-year-old player who was killed by Israeli forces shortly after his first training session.
Since then, the movement has grown steadily, with four clubs now operating in the West Bank.
The visa applications are currently with the Department of Justice, which GAA Palestine says is a welcome development.
The department contacted GAA officials last week seeking further information, suggesting that the process is under way.
However, organisers remain uncertain about how long it will take, with growing concern that the necessary approvals may not be issued in time.
They are now appealing to anyone with connections in the department to help expedite the process ahead of the group's planned arrival on July 18.