GAA Palestine denied visas for summer tour of Ireland

GAA Palestine has said a group of its players and mentors have had their visa applications denied by the Irish Immigration Service ahead of a summer tour.

A team of 33 children and 14 mentors were due to travel to Ireland for a summer tour, but have been denied entry.

GAA Palestine had sought clarity on the status of their visa applications, and were due to arrive in Ireland on 18 July.

In a post on social media, the club said: "Our Irish visa applications for the GAA Palestine summer tour have been refused by the Irish Immigration Service.

"To say that we are deeply disappointed is an understatement. We will be appealing this decision imminently.

"Our hearts right now are with the 33 young hurlers & 14 mentors who are so looking forward to being welcomed to Ireland next week.

"Against all odds, we're doing all we can to make this tour happen. We’re not giving up hope... "

Chairperson of GAA Palestine Steven Redmond said: "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."

"Nonetheless, GAA Palestine remains committed to collaborating closely with the Department of Justice to resolve this matter swiftly. 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," he added.

Lack of compliance to application criteria

In a statement provided to RTÉ News, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration cited a lack of compliance to visa application criteria as reasons for visa denials.

"Each visa application is decided on its own merits. Confirming that appropriate child protection requirements are in place is essential when considering visa applications for minors," the statement said.

"This includes a requirement that a child is travelling with their parents or an appropriate guardian, which requires additional documents to be verified such as birth certificates and consent letters.

"In adult cases, evidence of financial means, employment or other ties that indicate a person intends to return home are important criteria. These help to establish that a person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland, and that they will comply with the conditions of a short-term visa.

"An application will be refused if it cannot demonstrate compliance with such conditions. An appeals process is available to anyone who has a visa application refused."

Criticism of decision

The refusal to award the visas to the club has drawn criticism, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald calling on the Government to resolve the issue.

"What on Earth is the Irish government at?! They say they stand with Palestine but delay visas for a small number of children seriously injured in Israel's genocide coming to Ireland for urgent medical treatment," she said in a post on X.

What on Earth is the Irish government at?!

They say they stand with Palestine but delay visas for a small number of children seriously injured in Israel's genocide coming to Ireland for urgent medical treatment

Now, they refuse visas for children living through a daily onslaught… https://t.co/rriZ9a1kWz — Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 9, 2025

"Now, they refuse visas for children living through a daily onslaught who were due to come here for a few weeks to play hurling and football. GAA clubs across the country were busy preparing for their arrival. Children now left devastated.

"The government needs to sort this out!"

A large number of families around Ireland had volunteered to put the team up in their homes during their stay.

Watch: GAA Palestine hopes to build pitch in West Bank

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