Palestine’s first GAA club to bring over 30 children to Ireland for tour

Children from Palestine’s first GAA club are set to tour Ireland next month in a landmark visit.

From 18 July to 1 August, 33 children and 14 adult mentors from the Moataz Sarsour GAA Club – the first officially recognised GAA club in Palestine – will embark on a historic tour of Ireland.

The club was originally named Ramallah Hurling Club but was renamed in honour of Moataz Sarsour, one of the founding volunteers who helped establish the team. Moataz was tragically shot dead by Israeli forces on 13 August 2024.

Wearing official kits designed by O’Neills, the young athletes will represent their club and homeland as full members of the GAA community.

Their presence marks a powerful gesture of friendship and unity between Ireland and Palestine.

But this tour is about more than sport. It is a cultural and humanitarian journey. Many of the children have lived through the trauma of conflict and displacement. Their visit to Ireland offers a rare moment of freedom – a chance to heal, to play, and to feel supported by a wider community.

Over the past year, they have trained tirelessly under the guidance of a local coach, supported by GAA Palestine volunteers who have travelled to coach them, and show solidarity, all at their own expense.

This tour is a continuation of that dedication. It shows these children that they are not forgotten, and that they are part of something bigger: a global GAA family.

The response from people across Ireland has been extraordinary. Communities have come together to fundraise in every imaginable way – running, walking, cycling, playing matches, baking cakes, shaking tins, and playing music – all to make this visit a reality.

Thanks to the generosity of Paddywagon Tours, the group will have access to a 56-seater coach and driver for the duration of their stay – an incredible gesture of support.

GAA Palestine have encouraged everyone to come out and cheer them on.

If you wish to donate to the team and support their tour, you can do so here.