The conflict is on the agenda for a Central Council meeting in Croke Park and follows a meeting last week between the GAA president Jarlath Burns and members of the ‘Gaels Against Genocide in Gaza’ movement.
Those pro-Palestinian members of the GAA have sought to highlight the Palestinian cause as Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) continue their operation in Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths and population displacement.
The issue is being put on the agenda for Central Council on a humanitarian basis, not as political advocacy. One of the GAA’s rules is a declaration of its non-political party status.
If Central Council approval is granted, a statement is expected to follow.
Many leading GAA figures, under the banner of ‘Irish Sport for Palestine’, have already signed a statement calling for an “immediate and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.
The former Dublin All-Ireland-winning player and selector Dr David Hickey is one of the strongest voices among that group. He is joined by some of Dublin’s 1983 All-Ireland-winning team, with more recent Dublin All-Ireland winners including Michael Darragh Macauley, Mick Fitzsimons, Bernard Brogan and Philly McMahon on board too. Limerick hurlers Seán Finn and Darragh O’Donovan have also given their support, as has Derry’s 1993 All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly.
Early on in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the GAA donated €100,000 for humanitarian purposes to Ukraine while Ukrainian children carried the Liam MacCarthy Cup on to the field before the 2022 All-Ireland hurling final between Limerick and Kilkenny. Similar gestures could be considered for Palestine if approval comes.
‘Gaels Against Genocide in Gaza’ have been told there is no issue with Palestinian flags being flown by supporters at games, despite a traditional music group having to withdraw from playing before the recent Ulster quarter-final between Donegal and Derry in Celtic Park. They were informed that they could not play under the name Saoirse don Phalaistín (Freedom for Palestine).
A discussion at national level about a possible statement of support is a clear shift in approach to the crisis.
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Meanwhile, Central Council members will also discuss the current shape of the GAA calendar at the meeting.
The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) has been looking at ways that might help to alleviate some of the pinch points that have developed since the split season was introduced, on top of new round-robin groups of Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cup competitions.
However, more concrete proposals are expected before the June meeting of Central Council. Burns spoke of potential “compromises” for the calendar during his interview on Today With Claire Byrne last Monday in relation to GAAGO.
