Donegal to welcome West Bank children from Palestinian GAA clubs

Palestinian GAA clubs from the West Bank will visit Ireland later this month, with Donegal venues added to their itinerary.

Organisers of the trip had hoped that with the goodwill of politicians, Palestinian athletes would be able to move freely across all 32 counties of Ireland, but this freedom of movement has not been approved. 

Events planned by Derry Gaels will move to St Eunan’s Letterkenny and CLG Ghoath Dobhair, with details to be confirmed, where Donegal and Derry Gaels have joined forces to plan an exciting line-up of events for their Palestinian guests.

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Given the time constraints due to visa processing delays at the Irish Embassy and the costs and risks involved in attending interviews at the British Embassy in Ramallah, GAA Palestine has been forced to make the regretful decision to move planned events from Derry to Donegal and from Antrim to Louth.  

The Palestinian GAA clubs are set to arrive in Ireland on Friday, July 18. The 47  participants, including 33 children between nine and 16 years, will travel from Tulkarm, Ramallah, Jenin,  Beit Lahm and Al Khalil for a two-week tour to foster friendship, solidarity, cultural understanding and athletic development.  

Tour plans included events in Derry and Belfast, which will not now go ahead in those locations due to unexpected visa delays. 

Palestinians travelling from the West Bank must first get visas approved from the Department of  Justice (DOJ) for travel to 26 counties in Ireland. A separate Visa application process to travel to the six counties in the North, a result of Brexit trade borders, is contingent on the prior approval of a visa for the 26  counties by the DOJ. 

Processing times at the DOJ have recently been extended from four weeks to eight weeks – a change that was implemented around the same time applications were submitted for the group.  

While there is ample time for Visas to be issued for 26 counties, the group is still awaiting final visa approval from the DOJ and will not now have time to apply to the British embassy for visas to travel to the six counties. Representatives from GAA Palestine have been in regular contact with the DOJ to try to expedite the process, but their attempts have so far been unsuccessful.  Added to the delays is the reality that it is unsafe for young Palestinian athletes to travel to dangerous areas of the West Bank to attend interviews at the British embassy. 

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The founder of GAA Palestine Stephen Redmond, said: “As a duty of care I don't believe in asking our  young members to travel dangerous roads in the West Bank to attend interviews and then pay a  premium of circa £10,000 for Visa Applications for two nights stay, as safe, sensible or right.” 

Events planned by Antrim and Belfast Gaels are moving to Cooley Kickhams club in Carlingford, Co Louth. On  Wednesday, July 30, with Antrim Gaels, including county hurlers, will travel to Cooley Kickhams Club to run a skills session for Palestinian visitors. 

Glen Phillips, from the group Gaels against Genocide, said: “There is massive disappointment amongst Antrim and Belfast Gaels that GAA Palestine are unable to visit the six counties due to administrative issues. This highlights the absurdity of our country being partitioned and part of our land being ruled by a foreign government.

“The group look forward to the GAA Palestine trip  and also to seeing freedom for all of Palestine and all of Ireland in the not-too-distant future.” 

 The group will begin their visit with a four-night stay in Dublin, where they will explore iconic landmarks, including a trip to the beach, likely to be a first for the majority of Palestinians travelling from the West Bank. They will also receive an exclusive VIP tour of Croke Park, led by GAA President  Jarlath Burns. 

The tour will feature a friendly match in Dublin, hosted by Fingalians/Good Council and Liffey Gaels,  providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and build camaraderie across cultures. This initiative exemplifies the GAA’s commitment to promoting international friendship,  cultural exchange, and the universal language of sport. It is a testament to the power of sport to unite communities and inspire future generations. 

Following their vibrant Dublin experience, the Palestinian touring party will continue their Irish adventure with a trip to County Tipperary. En route, they will make a stop in Carlow before arriving at the historic Hayes Hotel in Thurles, the birthplace of the GAA. 

Next, the group will head to County Cork, known as the Rebel County, for a series of exciting adventures. Highlights include a boat tour of Bantry Bay and a scenic train journey to Cobh, both  new experiences for many of the children, who will have the opportunity to enjoy their first boat and  train rides.

Following Cork, the tour will head west to County Clare, where host club Éir Óg will be putting on entertainment for the tour before taking in the majestic Cliffs of Moher followed by a visit to  Castlegar GAA Club.

The tour will conclude with their journey back home, departing from Dublin on Friday, August 1,  after a truly immersive Irish experience that celebrates sport, culture, and friendship across communities. We invite media outlets to cover this inspiring journey and highlight the enduring bonds between Irish and Palestinian communities through sport and culture.