Palestinian children’s trip to Ireland from West Bank to play GAA cancelled

GAA Palestine has confirmed that a tour of a group of Palestinians who were to visit Ireland will no longer go ahead.

The group, which included 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, were scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Friday; however, they were denied entry by the Department of Justice.

In a statement, the GAA Palestine executive said it was with a heavy heart that it announced that the planned trip could no longer go ahead.

We are outrageous and disappointed by the Department of Justice's handling of the GAA Palestine Summer Tour. See link for full statement #LetThemPlay
https://t.co/jvJSyWFBSa pic.twitter.com/me2ioqkOic

— gaa_palestine (@GAA_Palestine) July 14, 2025

“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,” it added.

The touring party was scheduled to depart from the West Bank on Wednesday morning.

“We initially postponed departure for today, as the Department of Justice had informed us they were reviewing the appeal,” the statement said.

“However, the embassy in Tel Aviv is now closed – we had a driver pick up the passports to allow us to explore other options for the touring party to travel elsewhere, allowing us to provide these young athletes with the respite and opportunity they deserve.

“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