GAA Palestine 'profoundly upset' as Ireland trip officially cancelled

GAA Palestine have released an official statement announcing their disappointment that their planned trip to Ireland this Friday will not be going ahead.

The team lodged an official appeal on Tuesday after their visas were denied by the Department of Foreign Affairs who said their entry was denied over certain criteria that wasn't being met.

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A spokesperson for the department said,

"Applications made on behalf of minors who are not travelling in the company of their parents must be supported with evidence that appropriate child protection measures are in place during the visit.

"In all cases, evidence of financial means, employment or other ties that indicate a person intends to return home are important criteria".

Although the department said they would deal with the appeal promptly, it could not be done in time before their planned visit later this week.

In their statement, GAA Palestine said,

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that the planned trip to Ireland can no longer proceed. The delay stemming from issues with the Department of Justice has ultimately resulted in this difficult decision, as time has run out to make alternative arrangements.

"The touring party was scheduled to depart from the West Bank this morning. We initially postponed departure for today, as the Department of Justice had informed us they were reviewing the appeal. However, the embassy in Tel Aviv is now closed — we had a driver pick up the passports to allow us explore other options for the touring party to travel elsewhere, allowing us to provide these young athletes with the respite and opportunity they deserve.

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"Even if visas are issued at this late stage, delays at checkpoints and borders are likely to cause severe disruptions and extended delays. Giving the children hope again, only for that hope to be dashed once more, would be too cruel.

"We are deeply disappointed by the narrative that has circulated suggesting that necessary documentation was not provided or that we were late in the submission of our appeal. We have been working diligently for months with the embassy in Israel.

"Despite numerous appeals over the past week requesting engagement, we have received no response from the Department of Justice. Our legal team has also attempted to communicate directly with the Department, but we have once again been ignored.

"We are profoundly upset for all our GAA Palestine members, for the clubs that went to great lengths to organise this meaningful trip, and for the families who generously volunteered to host our touring party — transforming their homes with bunk beds and painting walls to welcome these young GAA players from the West Bank to Ireland. To our sponsors for their generosity, we do hope we can work together again in the future.

"While we are beyond devastated, we remain committed to our mission and will now proceed with Plan B, exploring other destinations where our children will be welcomed and celebrated.

"We thank EVERYONE for their continued support and understanding during this challenging time."