Latest news with #ConorDonohue
Irish Post
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Post
GAA Palestine 'turn adversity into opportunity' with Jordan trip after Ireland tour axed
A GROUP of young GAA players from Palestine who were denied the chance to visit Ireland this summer have begun a 10-day tour of Jordan. GAA Palestine was forced to abandon a two-week tour of Ireland after their visa applications were rejected and it was not left with enough time to appeal the decision. The party of 33 children and 12 coaches were due to arrive into Dublin on Friday but they instead travelled to Jordan, heralding 'a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine'. 'Unwavering spirit' GAA Palestine was founded last year by Stephen Redmond, an Irishman living in England, who travelled to the West Bank hoping to provide some respite to those living in the war-torn region. It had planned a two-week tour of Ireland but the group claimed its visa applications were rejected after it had already paid €38,000 on flights. After late efforts to salvage the trip and receiving widespread support in Ireland, the group conceded on Wednesday 'with a very heavy heart' that the tour had to be cancelled. "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," read a statement from GAA Palestine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GAA Palestine (@gaa_palestine) True to the organisation's word, it arranged a 10-day tour of Jordan, where they will meet with a number of GAA stars. "Despite the heart-breaking decision to cancel their Irish tour, GAA Palestine has turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough," read a statement on Friday. "We are proud to announce the launch of a 10-day summer camp in Amman, Jordan, where our GAA Palestine players and mentors will experience the joy of sport, friendship and cultural exchange — a testament to their unwavering spirit. 'This extraordinary journey will feature legendary Irish hurling icons — Dublin Inter-county players Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitey will join the tour, along with former Waterford Inter-county player Shane Casey." 'Learn and grow' The Inter-county players were due to arrive in Amman on Saturday to lead the camp, while the party will watch Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final between Cork and Tipperary on a big screen. Other activities planned for the trip include visits to the Amman Citadel, the King Abdullah I Mosque and Souk Mango, one of the oldest markets in Amman. The 33 children will also get to experience zip-lining, buggy rides and climbing adventures as well as trips to amusement and water parks. "Most importantly, they will learn and grow through coaching sessions led by our committed volunteers and coaches," added the statement.
Irish Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
GAA Palestine enlist help of intercounty stars for camp after Irish visa denial
GAA Palestine have organised a camp in Jordan involving inter-county hurlers for the team of children and mentors whose planned trip to Ireland for a summer tour from today was blocked by the Department of Justice. The club was forced to cancel the trip earlier this week after the denial of visa entries for the 33 children and 14 mentors, a decision described by GAA Palestine as "heartbreaking", and was forced to look at alternative arrangements. It has now announced a 10-day summer camp in Amman with Dublin hurlers Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitely, who both played in the recent All-Ireland SHC semi-final loss to Cork, will join the tour, along with former Waterford Inter-county hurler Shane Casey. "These inspiring players will travel to Amman on Saturday to lead the camp, bringing with them the vibrant energy, professionalism and rich traditions of Gaelic games," read a statement from the club. "In the face of unforeseen challenges, GAA Palestine refuses to be defeated. When a recent visa entry denial prevented their scheduled trip to Ireland, the resilience of these young athletes and their dedicated supporters ignited a new path — one filled with hope, determination, and community. "Despite the heartbreaking decision to cancel their Irish tour, GAA Palestine has turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough. We are proud to announce the launch of a 10-day summer camp in Amman, Jordan, where our GAA Palestine players and mentors will experience the joy of sport, friendship, and cultural exchange — a testament to their unwavering spirit. Conor Donohoe of Dublin (Image: ©INPHO/Leah Scholes) "Today, we celebrate a moment of triumph — the young players and mentors arrived in Amman, greeted warmly by members of the GAA Palestine team. Their arrival marks a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine, who continue to defy barriers and inspire us all. "The summer camp promises an unforgettable experience, blending sport with culture and adventure. Participants will explore the historic Amman Citadel, visit the bustling Souk Mango, and enjoy exhilarating ziplining, buggy rides, and climbing adventures at Forest Park. "They will watch the All-Ireland hurling final on a big screen, connect with local landmarks like the King Abdullah I Mosque, and indulge in fun-filled days at amusement and water parks. Most importantly, they will learn and grow through coaching sessions led by our committed volunteers and coaches. Children from GAA clubs across the country joined forces ahead of the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Donegal and Meath at Croke Park to appeal to the Irish government to let the 33 children into Ireland for their GAA Palestine Irish tour (Image: ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon) "While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures. "This remarkable feat would not have been possible without the generosity of donors, the tireless efforts of volunteers, our inter-county players, and the unwavering dedication of all members of GAA Palestine. Your support fuels their dreams and proves that together, we can overcome any obstacle. "GAA Palestine are calling on all supporters to join the National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday, 19th July at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance. "We are calling all GAA fans who are Up For the Match, to also show Up For the March in their county colours, and walk with us behind the GAA Palestine and LET THEM PLAY banners, to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the wake of the cancellation of the Irish Summer Tour." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
RTÉ News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
GAA Palestine travels to Jordan with Irish tour cancelled
GAA Palestine has confirmed that its players and mentors have travelled to Jordan for a summer camp, after visa denials caused the cancellation of a planned tour of Ireland. In a statement, the club said despite the "heartbreaking" decision to cancel the Irish tour, they have "turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough" with the announcement of a ten-day summer camp in the Jordanian capital Amman. A team of 33 children and 14 mentors from the West Bank were due to travel to Ireland for a summer tour today, but were denied entry by the Department of Justice. They subsequently lodged an appeal but were forced to cancel the tour as the appeal would not be assessed before the planned departure date. The team will be joined in Jordan by Dublin intercounty hurlers Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitely as well as former Waterford player Shane Casey. "Today, we celebrate a moment of triumph - the young players and mentors arrived in Amman, greeted warmly by members of the GAA Palestine team," GAA Palestine said. "Their arrival marks a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine, who continue to defy barriers and inspire us all. "The summer camp promises an unforgettable experience, blending sport with culture and adventure." The team are due to watch the All-Ireland Hurling Final on a big screen on Sunday. The club called on those attending the hurling final to also attend the National Demonstration for Palestine which takes place in Dublin the day before. While in Amman, the players and mentors will visit adventure and water parks and take in local landmarks such as the Amman Citadel. Most importantly, the club said, the players will "learn and grow" through coaching sessions led by volunteers and coaches. "While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope - a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures. "GAA Palestine's journey continues - stronger, united, and full of hope."
