GAA Palestine

About Us

Bringing GAA Sports to the People of Palestine

Overview

GAA Palestine harnesses the power of Gaelic games to foster healing, community resilience, cultural exchange, and development. Our mission is to create sustainable pathways for growth and collaboration between Ireland and Palestine, promoting peace, understanding, and empowerment through sport.

Our Key Initiatives & ASPIRATIONS

Sport serves as a vital tool for healing communities affected by conflict and occupation. Through inclusive Gaelic games, we provide safe spaces where the children can play, connect, and build their hopes and dreams.

We have begun to strengthen bonds between Ireland and Palestine by fostering community relationships and we look towards supporting long-term commercial collaborations among members. These partnerships will promote sustainable development and mutual growth.

Recognising the psychological toll of occupation, GAA Palestine offers counselling services to members experiencing trauma. Our focus is on supporting emotional and mental health, and on the mind/body connection for healing and growth.

We are beginning to facilitate partnerships between Irish and Palestinian towns and clubs, fostering ongoing relationships, cultural exchange, and collaborative projects that strengthen community ties.

This initiative will provide Palestinian members access to educational opportunities through Irish universities and institutions, supporting personal growth, capacity building, and future leadership.

We have started to equip community leaders and members with essential skills to respond effectively to trauma and emergencies, building resilience at the grassroots level.

We plan to expand exchange programmes, to help foster dialogue, friendship, and understanding between Irish and Palestinian communities. These cultural and sporting initiatives deepen connections and promote shared experiences.

Our aspirations are to connect Palestinian organisations with international partners, enabling resource sharing, project collaboration, and effective support on the ground.

Sustainable fundraising is essential to realize our vision, grow our membership, and expand our programs. Your support enables us to deliver impactful initiatives, develop infrastructure, and empower communities. 

With your help we can achieve these aspirations. Every contribution helps build a resilient and hopeful future.

We welcome those who would like to join us in our desire to have all these aims and objectives met.

  • 1. Stephen poses for a photo in Ramallah, January 2025
  • 2. Ramallah, January 2025
  • 3. Claire with children in Ramallah, January 2025

Our Organisation

At the heart of our work are grassroots projects that uplift and empower the Palestinian community – especially its youth. From sports programmes that build confidence and teamwork, to educational initiatives that foster hope and opportunity, our projects are designed to create safe spaces for growth, joy, and resilience. Each initiative is a step toward dignity and self-determination, rooted in solidarity and guided by the voices of the people we serve.

back to menu

Our Projects

  • 1. Moataz Sarsour Team in Ramallah January 2025
  • 2. Moataz Sarsour Team in Ramallah January 2025
  • 3. Moataz Sarsour Team in Ramallah January 2025

At the heart of our work are grassroots projects that uplift and empower the Palestinian community – especially its youth. From sports programmes that build confidence and teamwork, to educational initiatives that foster hope and opportunity, our projects are designed to create safe spaces for growth, joy, and resilience. Each initiative is a step toward dignity and self-determination, rooted in solidarity and guided by the voices of the people we serve.

back to menu

Our Core Message

GAA Palestine uses the universal language of Gaelic Games to heal, unite, and empower communities. Through cultural exchange, education, and collaborative projects, we build bridges of understanding and resilience between Ireland and Palestine, fostering peace, development, and long-term solidarity.

Get Involved

Whether you’re near or far, your support makes a difference. Join us in standing with Palestine – volunteer your time, amplify our message, or contribute financially to sustain our grassroots efforts. Every action, no matter how small, helps us build a future rooted in justice, dignity, and hope. Feel free to drop us a line.

Claire Liddy and Mohammad Abohasheem (Tulkarem) spoke with Tommy Bowe and Brooke Scullion on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM show about GAA Palestine and a recent visit by some Irish volunteers to the West Bank, Palestine.

Social & Updates

Instagram Feed

Conchúr, GAA Palestine Lead Liaison Officer for the West Bank sent us this heart-warming message: “During their 2025 Youth Presentation, Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna showed a powerful act of solidarity with Palestine GAA by decorating their awards table with the Palestine GAA flag. Most of the awards displayed recognise the outstanding personal achievements of their young players this year, while the shield on the left proudly represents their County Féile victory. Go raibh míle maith agaibh, Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna, for this thoughtful gesture today [Saturday] and for always keeping Palestine GAA in your hearts and thoughts.”
The Peace Dove and Human Rights strap line is the most powerful manifestation of the occupation of the highest moral ground. It is the winner in the battle of love over hate.
Send your love and solidarity to Tariq - we're collecting short videos and messages of well wishes to share with our wounded brother. Please send any videos by the end of a Wednesday - if you're training between now and then, we would love to include some videos of whole GAA teams wishing him well. Latest update: Tariq's condition remains critical. His injuries are not minor; he sustained four gunshot wounds to the left side of his body, the most serious being a wound to his abdomen, which has caused serious complications both now and in the future. The bleeding has miraculously stopped, but there is still concern that it could resume at any moment, so he remains in intensive care.
Thank you all for your messages and words of support for Tariq. We have had people ask if there is some way to demonstrate that support and let Tariq know just how much we are thinking of him on his road to recovery, after being shot four times by Israeli soldiers. If you would like to share a short message - video, photos or text - please send to us by email to info@gaapalestine.com or DM and we will then compile the messages together and make sure he sees it and knows how many people are rooting for him. We will finish the posts at the end of Monday. We particularly ask junior GAA clubs to send messages, individuals or as a team, by voice or holding up cards, or anyway that you want. Let’s let Tariq know that we care.
GAA Palestine proudly presents the South Bethlehem Club named The Sulaiman Zawahrah GAC. The name is in remembrance of a local hero and defender of the village during the Nakba. Sulaiman Zawahrah was a symbol of strength and resilience, fighting to protect his community and land during one of the most challenging chapters in Palestinian history. His name serves as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of those who have defended the land of Palestine, and it reflects the determination of the local people to preserve their heritage and traditions despite the ongoing challenges they face. The coach said: “Yesterday, we began training the girls’ team. Although the number of participants was small, they were motivated to continue since this is the first-ever girls’ sports team in the villages of southern Bethlehem — a great achievement. We expect the number to grow in future sessions. Today, we completed the training for the boys’ team. The turnout was extremely high, and we conducted evaluations and training sessions to select a specific number of boys to form the team. Many enthusiastic participants attended, eager to watch and play, as sports serve as a way to relieve the stress they experience amid closures and settler attacks. Everyone sends their thanks for your support. Viva Palestine 🇵🇸, viva GAA Palestine 🇮🇪
📣GAA Palestine are looking for a Volunteer Liaison Officer at Hebron GAA Club Join the growing GAA movement in Palestine! We’re seeking a Liaison Officer to help build Hebron GAA Club, in the west bank, to build the club there, to link with the GAA Palestine Core Team, and explore twinning with Irish clubs. 📍 Location: Remote (a trip to visit the club in person would be beneficial) 🤝 Commitment: Volunteer (training & support provided) What You’ll Do: • Help develop the junior hurling club, meeting on line, also link with coaches that may want to go to coach there. • Promote Gaelic games & community engagement. • Coordinate events, training & cultural exchanges. • Support club development and good governance. You’ll Receive: • Training, mentoring & ongoing support from the Lead Liaison Officer and Core Team. • Access to resources and international collaboration. * Can appoint an Assistant Liaison Officer if wanted Ideal Candidate: • Strong communicator, organised & community-minded. • Passion for sport & culture. • Coaching in GAA or community experience Why Join: • Develop leadership skills. • Build cultural & sporting links between Palestine & Ireland. Requirements: • Coaching qualification in Gaelic Games or other sport. • Safeguarding & child protection training. • Background in sport, youth, or community work desirable. 📩 To Apply: Send a short note on your motivation & experience to Stephen Redmond 📞 (+44) 7884 258 664
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Tariq will survive because his love for life is stronger than the occupation's bullets.
Tariq Maala, a beloved and crucial member of Moataz Sarsour GAA Club, in Ramallah, was shot in the stomach and is in critical condition. The young teenage boy was looking out as Israeli troops went through and was shot four times. Shaher, the secretary of the club (whose son, Maher is still suffering torture in an Israeli prison), has said: " He is a wonderful boy who wants to play sport and work for his family. The only times he ever missed training is because he would go to Jerico to find work to help his family. His injury is very serious, and he is now undergoing surgery in the operating room. We ask everyone, please pray for him, whatever your religion" We, in GAA Palestine, some who know and have spent time with Tariq, in Ramallah and in Jordan and know him as a lovely fun and hard-working boy, are devastated to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tariq, his family and all those who hold him dear.
Tommy Hughes, over from South Armagh, on coaching the Moataz Sarsour GAA Club in Ramallah: “The lads are hard at it training three times a week. They are drilling and getting the fundamentals right. They are getting match fit and always having a bit of craic along the way!” Maith thú Tommy
Loading the next set of instagram posts...
Load More...

back to menu