Cork branch of GAA Palestine wants visa refusal decision to be reconsidered

The Cork branch of GAA Palestine is calling on the Irish authorities to reconsider its decision to refuse visas to a group of GAA players from Palestine.

The GAA Palestine group had planned to bring 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, along with 14 of their mentors, on a nationwide tour of Ireland which was scheduled to begin on July 18.

The event was set to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding.

The Department of Justice stated that the visas were rejected because of a lack of compliance with visa application criteria.

However, a spokesperson for GAA Palestine said it was shocked by the decision of the Irish Immigration Service.

A number of members from St Vincent’s GAA Club in Cork city were to act as hosts for the Cork leg of their visit.

Speaking to The Echo, St Vincent’s GAA PRO Mick Nugent said the decision to refuse visas for GAA Palestine is “devastating news”.

“It is going to be appealed,” he said. “People were very surprised with the decision.

“It really is very surprising, shocking and sad news.

“This was about solidarity and this was about giving the children a trip of a lifetime, an experience they would never forget.”

Included on the trip was a visit to Cork, with the itinerary on Leeside including training sessions, a boat trip and a trip to the beach.

Mr Nugent added: “Also, the GAA community in Cork and Ireland put out the hand of friendship, for what is a serious effort in Palestine in growing the GAA.

“They have five clubs in the West Bank in Palestine officially recognised.

“There was so much work that had gone into a two-week tour. This included three nights and four days in Cork.

“There was a lot planned, and the itinerary for Cork was fantastic, which was put together by GAA Palestine in Cork.

“Hopefully the president of the GAA will add his voice to it.”

Steven Redmond, chairperson of GAA Palestine, said it is committed to working with the department to resolve the issue.

“We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action,” he said. “We are fully prepared to see this process through. We kindly ask the Government to partner with us in making this happen.

“Volunteers across Ireland are just utterly and completely devastated after all the work and effort put into making this tour happen.

“It’s heartbreaking to see such a promising cultural exchange fall apart at the very last moment.”

The Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris told the Dáil yesterday: “Obviously, there are rules in place in relation to visas, particularly when it comes to minors, particularly when it comes to minors not travelling with parents or guardians.

“There is an appeals process in place.

“I just make that point without overcoming any individual applications.”