Moataz Sarsour Club: Crest & Kit Development

The kit has the dove of peace and words “Human rights.” The crest was initially thought about in November 2024, and it has been designed and modified a few times. I got in touch with the officers in Ramallah to ask what symbols to go on the creast. One was the olive tree, particularly the one in front of the West Bank Aida Refugee Camp.

The tree itself tree is a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity, resilience, and connection to the land, representing both peace and resistance. For Palestinians, it embodies their deep-rooted history and enduring presence in the region, particularly in the face of displacement and conflict. It has the ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolising the Palestinian people’s steadfastness and their enduring presence on the land.

The key is the significant symbol for Palestinians, representing their right of return to the homes and lands they were displaced from during the 1948 Nakba. Many families have preserved keys to their former homes for generations, keeping them as a symbol of hope and a claim to their lost properties.
These keys, often passed down through families, are a tangible reminder of their displacement and a powerful symbol of their ongoing struggle for return.

The Arabic writing was initially in Arabic, Irish and English, but looked too much. Then it was in Arabic and Irish, but in the final version, we decided on just Arabic.

I looked at photos of Ramallah and saw houses on the hills, which had fallen into disrepair, or been destroyed, and left abandoned. It reminded me of the old houses in Ireland after the famine and years of emigration. Initially it was one picture like this, but in the final version behind the Arabic, you can see a brick wall.

Of course, their crossed hurls, sliother and gaelic football represent the GAA games. Those in Ramallah took to hurling, as their choice. Calling it the “Freedom Sport”. The club name is on the emblem, that of Moataz Sarsour, a 19 year-old who came forward to help begin building the club.

There have been two designers involved, with O’Neills adapting slightly. Denis and Gordon, of GAA Palestine, couldn’t quite decide whether to have blue background or white, so in fact it is both.

The Arabic says: “Our unity is our strength,” to signify our support.