A major cultural and sporting exchange between Palestinian children and the Irish GAA community has been thrown into disarray after the Irish Immigration Service refused visas to 47 youths and coaches from the West Bank.
Organised by GAA Palestine, the group was due to arrive in Ireland on July 18 for a packed tour of GAA clubs, schools and community centres across the country.
The visit was intended as a powerful gesture of cross-cultural solidarity, with 33 children aged between 9 and 16 set to stay with more than 100 Irish host families.
GAA Palestine said it is “deeply disappointed and shocked” by the decision, describing it as a heartbreaking blow after months of planning, documentation and community fundraising.
The visa applications were submitted in mid-May and, according to the group, included full itineraries, financial guarantees and all requested information.
Despite this, Irish immigration officials reportedly refused the visas due to what they described as “insufficient documentation”.
GAA Palestine strongly disputes this claim, insisting that all requirements were fulfilled and additional documents had even been submitted after initial correspondence with the Irish Embassy in Israel.
Steven Redmond, Chairperson of GAA Palestine, said the timing of the refusal made the decision all the more upsetting.
“Seven days before these young boys and girls were meant to leave the West Bank, we are told that additional documentation is now required, documentation that was already provided or never previously requested or indicated as necessary.
“We went as far as sending a volunteer to the West Bank to assist with additional documentation that was requested as part of our application.”
He said the organisation remains committed to engaging with the Department of Justice to try and salvage the programme.
“We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action.
“We are fully prepared to see this process through. We kindly ask the Government to partner with us in making this happen.”
The cancellation has left volunteers and supporters around the country devastated.
Dozens of GAA clubs had been raising funds for the visit, and families across Ireland had signed up to host the young visitors.
The tour was designed to foster connection, cultural understanding and friendship between Irish and Palestinian communities.
GAA Palestine is now calling on the Irish authorities to reconsider the decision and work together to ensure future initiatives are not blocked in this way.
“We believe that such exchanges are essential in building bridges of friendship and understanding between our peoples.”
The group extended sincere thanks to the Irish host families, clubs and supporters who backed the initiative from the beginning and said they remain hopeful that this setback will not deter similar efforts in the future.