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The Journal
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Irish immigration officials refuse visas for 47 Palestinians due to come to Ireland for GAA tour
A GROUP OF Palestinians in the West Bank who were planning to come to Ireland for a GAA tour this month have been informed that their visa applications have been refused due to 'insufficient documentation' by the Irish Immigration Service, the GAA Palestine group has said. The group, which helped to lodge the visa applications for 47 Palestinians who belong to sports clubs in the West Bank, has said they are shocked by the decision, and have refuted that any of the requested documentation was not provided. GAA Palestine had plans in place for 47 Palestinians to travel here, including 33 children aged between 9 and 16 years of age. A total of 152 families in Ireland had signed up to host the group as they were to travel around Ireland. The tour was due to kick off on 18 July, and it had garnered major support from Irish host families who were to welcome the Palestinians into their homes, and from clubs that have been fundraising to help finance the trip. Organisers behind the tour have said that they are 'devastated' and they have disputed that the department did not have all the documentation required to approve the visa applications, which were made in mid-May. Stephen Bowen, Director of Amnesty Ireland said on X that the department's decision was 'beyond belief'. 'For once I am speechless. Perhaps there is still time for a change of heart?' Letters sent by the Embassy of Ireland in the State of Israel to visa applicants today, which have been seen by The Journal, inform the Palestinians that their visa application has been refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. The embassy said it didn't have enough information on the applicants plans, such as an itinerary on what GAA clubs they would be visiting, and financial plans for how their visit would be facilitated. Advertisement It further said that no Garda vetting certificates for host families were submitted, and that invitation letters from host families weren't provided, amongst other issues the embassy identified. Claire Liddy, organiser with GAA Palestine, said that the organisation had provided many letters on the itinerary for the trip, as the group assisted with the applications which were made to the embassy in Tel Aviv. The group says that the Department of Justice and the embassy has had poor communication with them throughout the visa application process. Liddy said that the group is now going to meet with the families of the children in whatever capacity they can online, and that she is sure that the group will be 'devastated' by this news. The group, which was founded by Stephen Redmond last year following a trip to the West Bank, works with grassroots GAA clubs in the West Bank, with clubs having been set up in multiple areas, after an original club was started in Ramallah. The cohort from the West Bank were due to compete in a number of friendly matches, and to go on days out including an exclusive tour of Croke Park led by GAA President Jarlath Burns, and a visit to Dublin Zoo. They were also planning to go to the beach, which GAA Palestine said would be a first time experience for some of the children. There were plans to play another match at Dr. Morris Park in Tipperary, before travelling to counties Cork and Clare. Local GAA clubs have been fundraising to support the tour and making preparations to welcome the Palestinians. A joint statement by GAA Palestine, Cork Palestine Solidarity and Pals for Palestine, the groups said they're doing 'all [they] can to make this tour happen'. 'We're not giving up hope.' The Journal has requested comment from the Department of Justice. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Amnesty picnic against apartheid to take place in Wexford
Set to take place on Sunday, July 13 in Redmond Park, Wexford, between 2 p.m. and 5.30 p.m., it is a free family friendly event which will feature guest speakers, and musicians playing throughout the day. "The aim is to highlight the apartheid system that Palestinians have been forced to endure for 76 years. Their torment has only been exasperated by Israel's genocide. "This is genocide. Say it loudly. Say it clearly,' said Stephen Bowen, Director of Amnesty Ireland. A representative from the Wexford branch further solidified their stance that those in power are failing to hold Israel accountable for their actions. "The failure of the Irish government, the European Union, the United Nations, and international community to hold Israel to account for its genocide against the Palestinians, mirror the international communities failure to stop Israel's apartheid system. Their failure to hold Israel to account for these war crimes, is the source of Israel's belief that international law doesn't apply to it,' they said. "We wish to remind Israel that their multiple war crimes committed over 76 years will never be forgotten,' they added. Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation's tireless work in defending human rights all over the world. In the early years the Wexford Amnesty group tackled issues like the death penalty in the USA and Apartheid in South Africa, as well as campaigning for prisoners of conscience all over the world. Today, the Wexford group is very active in opposing the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and holds a weekly protest in Redmond Square every Thursday at 6.30 p.m. The group also holds monthly meetings at 6.30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month in the lobby/coffee dock in Whites of Wexford hotel. They raise local awareness about human rights, organise events and stalls and film nights, fundraise, and campaign by letter-writing and lobbying.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Steakhouse chain is to close all its restaurants as it collapses into administration despite reviews saying its food is 'absolutely delicious'
A steakhouse chain is set to close all its branches after falling into administration despite its rave reviews. The restaurant, called Steak of the Art, serves steak, seafood, and other meat dishes in locations in Bristol and Cardiff. A concept that doubles as a steakhouse and an art gallery, the Steak of Art was founded over a decade ago by former management consultant Stephen Bowen. According to its website, the restaurant at Cathedral Walk in Bristol offers diners an 'original, fun and entertaining' experience, with an option of Moulin Rouge-inspired private dining. The restaurants also hosts live music, film nights and fashion show fundraisers. Despite earning positive reviews the chain, owned by Groupco Ltd which is run by Mr Bowen, has collapsed into administration, BusinessLive reports. Rob Coad and Sam Talby of Undebt were appointed as joint administrators on April 9, companies house documents show. The company owed £410,347 to creditors as of March 31 last year, according to the latest filing. This means that the Cardiff site, which recently closed, will now no long reopen and it is understood the Bristol branch is also due to shut indefinitely. It is unknown if jobs will be lost if the company will be sold. The Bristol restaurant, which is still taking bookings online, has a 4.2 rating out of five on TripAdvisor with the last review given on April 5. One customer wrote: 'The whole meal was cooked to perfection, the service was impeccable and the whole experience was a pleasure.' Another added: 'The steak was absolutely delicious! And the roasts looked amazing, and I'm told were also delicious! 'I would highly recommend this place!! The service was also faultless.' A third said: 'Very good food and service. Steak was cooked well and very tasty dishes. Would definitely visit again.' While someone else wrote: 'Impromptu work dinner for 10 of us whilst in Bristol. One of the best steaks we've tasted. So good!! Great staff and service and the sides were super tasty too. Great job!!' It comes after Rio Brazilian Steakhouse on Bridge Street in York announced it was shutting on Monday. On a statement on its website, the steakhouse said: 'We regret to announce that Rio Brazilian Steakhouse York has now closed. 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.' A vegan street food chain in Manchester also shut all three of its sites confirming the closures in a post on social media. The founders Robyn Marsh and Damian Myles admitted it is 'really difficult to maintain a thriving business' and listed challenges such as the pandemic and the closure of Hatch food and drink village, which is one of their busiest locations.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation
A STEAKHOUSE chain will close all branches after going bust. The restaurants serve steak, seafood and other meat dishes but one has already closed down. Advertisement 2 Steak of the Art has branches in both Bristol and Cardiff Credit: Google Maps Called Steak of the Art, the food spot is a steakhouse and art gallery concept. It has "original, fun and entertaining" sites in both Bristol and Cardiff. Steak of the Art is owned by Groupco Ltd, which is run by former management consultant Stephen Bowen, Companies House documents show Rob Coad and Sam Talby of Undebt were appointed as joint administrators on April 9. Advertisement The latest filing shows the company owed £410,347 to creditors as of March 31 last year. The Cardiff branch has already shut but the Bristol food spot is still up and running, with the website still taking bookings. It offers an option of private dining, where up to 20 people can gather. The steakhouse also has a gallery and hosts live music, film nights and fashion show fundraisers. Advertisement Most read in Money It is not known if jobs will be axed of if the company will be sold. The Sun has approached the restaurant for comment. The news follows Rio Brazilian Steakhouse on Bridge Street, York, revealing it was shutting on Monday. The steakhouse announced: "We regret to announce that Rio Brazilian Steakhouse York has now closed. Advertisement "We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." Manchester-based vegan street food chain Herbivorous also confirmed it will be closing all three of its sites this month in an emotional social media post. Founders Robyn Marsh and Damian Myles said it had become 'really difficult to maintain a thriving business', citing challenges including the pandemic, competition and the closure of Hatch food and drink village, one of their busiest sites. Advertisement 2 Steak of the Art is a steakhouse and art gallery concept Credit: Getty What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation
It isn't known if jobs are at risk or if the company is up for sale STEAK OUT Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation A CHAIN of steakhouses will close all of its branches after going bust. The restaurants serve steak, seafood and other meat dishes but one has already closed down. Advertisement Called Steak of the Art, the food spot is a steakhouse and art gallery concept. It has "original, fun and entertaining" sites in both Bristol and Cardiff, which will be shut down. Steak of the Art is owned by Groupco Ltd, which is run by a former management consultant Stephen Bowen, BusinessLive reports. Companies House documents show Rob Coad and Sam Talby of Undebt were appointed as joint administrators on April 9. Advertisement The latest filing shows the company owed £410,347 to creditors as of March 31 last year. The Cardiff branch has already been shut down, but the Bristol food spot is currently still up and running, with the website still taking bookings. It offers an option of private dining, where up to 20 people can gather. The steakhouse also has a gallery and hosts live music, film nights and fashion show fundraisers. Advertisement It is not known if jobs will be axed of if the company will be sold. The Sun has approached the restaurant for comment. The news follows Rio Brazilian Steakhouse on Bridge Street, York, revealing it was shutting on Monday. The steakhouse announced: "We regret to announce that Rio Brazilian Steakhouse York has now closed. Advertisement "We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." Manchester-based vegan street food chain Herbivorous also confirmed it will be closing all three of its sites this month in an emotional social media post. Robyn and Damian said it had become 'really difficult to maintain a thriving business', citing challenges including the pandemic, competition and the closure of Hatch food and drink village, one of their busiest sites. 1 Steak of the Art has branches in both Bristol and Cardiff Credit: Google Maps Advertisement
