Unexpected Visa Delays Reshape Palestinian GAA Delegation’s Irish Tour

Published on July 6, 2025

The long-promised Irish visit by a Palestinian GAA group will miss vital stops in Derry and Belfast due to unexpected visa issues. The 47-member group with 33 children was to embark upon a two-week cultural and sportive exchange tour to Ireland to build friendship, solidarity, and intercultural knowledge. But visa application issues have reorganized the agenda, with the group being compelled to miss Northern Ireland. In spite of last-minute efforts to accelerate the system, the Palestinian GAA group is encountering unexpected hiccups that have reshaped the itinerary.

The Palestinian GAA Visit and Its Original Itinerary

The group, primarily from the West Bank, had planned an enriching tour of Ireland. The trip was designed to showcase Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) heritage, with the goal of strengthening ties between Palestinian youth and their Irish counterparts. The visit included stops at notable GAA venues across the island, including those in Belfast and Derry. The trip was not only a celebration of sport but also an opportunity to learn about Ireland’s culture, history, and the GAA’s role in society.

The delegation had planned visits to several famous GAA sites such as Croke Park and the birthplace of the GAA in Thurles. In addition to the sporting aspects, the tour also aimed to build bridges between cultures by fostering understanding through a shared love of sport. However, the inability to secure timely visas for travel to Northern Ireland has resulted in a significant shift in plans.

Visa Challenges: A Bottleneck to Cross-Border Movement

The primary issue that led to this change was the visa application process required for the delegation to travel to the six counties of Northern Ireland. Due to the post-Brexit situation, Palestinians traveling from the West Bank to Northern Ireland must apply for visas via both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom’s British embassy. A visa for the Republic of Ireland is first required, after which an additional application must be submitted to the British embassy for travel across the border.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Republic of Ireland, responsible for approving visas for travelers to the 26 counties, recently extended processing times from four weeks to eight weeks. The Palestinian GAA group submitted their visa applications well ahead of their intended travel date, but the delay in processing meant that they did not have enough time to complete the additional steps required for Northern Ireland. As a result, the group now faces an altered itinerary that omits visits to Derry and Belfast.

Efforts to Expedite the Process

Despite regular contact with the DOJ, the Palestinian GAA delegation’s efforts to speed up the visa process have been unsuccessful. Stephen Redmond, the founder of GAA Palestine, expressed disappointment at the situation. In an official statement, Redmond explained that as a duty of care to the children and athletes involved, he could not justify asking young members of the group to travel across dangerous roads in the West Bank to attend embassy interviews, particularly when additional visa fees could cost up to £10,000.

The difficulty in obtaining visas highlights the broader issue of partitioned travel within Ireland. Many GAA members and supporters in Northern Ireland have also voiced frustration, particularly those who were excited about the possibility of hosting Palestinian athletes in their communities.

Impact on the Irish Tour and the GAA Community

Despite the visa setbacks, the trip will proceed with revised plans. Instead of Belfast and Derry, the group will now visit Cooley Kickhams Club in Carlingford, County Louth. The change of location will still offer Palestinian visitors the chance to participate in GAA skills sessions, thanks to the efforts of Antrim Gaels and other GAA members. On July 30, Antrim Gaels, including county hurlers, will travel to Cooley Kickhams to run a skills clinic for the Palestinian delegation, ensuring that the group’s training experience remains as enriching as possible.

While there is disappointment over the missed opportunities in Belfast and Derry, the revised itinerary will still include key activities aimed at promoting cultural exchange and building solidarity. The Palestinian GAA delegation will also receive an exclusive VIP tour of Croke Park, led by GAA President Jarlath Burns. This will provide an in-depth look at the history and significance of the GAA in Irish culture. Furthermore, the group will visit the historic Hayes Hotel in Thurles, where the GAA was founded.

Despite the logistical hurdles, the Palestinian GAA delegation’s visit remains an important moment for cross-cultural engagement and solidarity. The members of the delegation, along with their Irish counterparts, are determined to make the most of the trip. This situation underscores the importance of cooperation and friendship in overcoming obstacles, with both communities hopeful that greater opportunities for engagement will arise in the future.

A Broader Significance for Irish and Palestinian Solidarity

Travel restrictions pose us with a particular reminder, in this instance, of the broader political situation surrounding Palestinians and Irish nationals. The unresolved visa issues have pointed out how administrative barriers can preclude cultural exchange even in a location with mutual heritage ties, as Ireland and the Palestinians have. The GAA community has long known the value in forging connections with countries such as the Palestinians. While political issues and the modern-day partitioning of Ireland still remain complicated, both parties’ efforts in keeping communication lines open bear testament to sport in the long run as a unifying force.

In spite of the obstacles, the Palestinian delegation’s experience will have long-term ramifications for both their Irish visitors and themselves. Interest in international relations and cultural exchanges among the GAA community continues to expand, and the hope is that in the coming years opportunities will arise to facilitate the type of cross-border exchanges initially conceived for this visit.

References: Department of Justice, GAA Palestine, GAA, Government of Ireland