Keeper hike to support Gaza soccer team visit to Nenagh
A sponsored walk on Keeper Hill will take place on Sunday April 17th. It is to support Nenagh's hosting of a visit this July from the Al Helal under 16 soccer team from the Gaza Strip. The team will be on a two-week visit to Ireland and will be based in the town for up to four days, during which they will play local youth teams and visit the sights and sounds of Co Tipperary. They will also visit Dublin, Limerick and Belfast. .
This initiative will involve a major fundraising effort and the Nenagh Friends of Palestine hike on Keeper is in support of this. It is part of a national initiative under the title 'Gaza Kids 2 Ireland'. Nenagh man Joe Gilmartin explained that the Gaza Kids 2 Ireland project is a joint initiative between Nenagh Friends of Palestine, Antrim 2 Gaza and Gaza Action Ireland. It follows on from a successful twinning agreement between the municipality of Gaza and Moyle District Council in 2012. Joe was as a participant on that trip.
“We were first introduced to the Al Helal football club and it was there that the seeds of this ambitious project were sown. As soon as we got home, we set about forming an umbrella group comprising members of each committee with a view to bringing the under 16 youth team on a visit to Ireland.
“That was all of four years ago. Unfortunately, the realities of living under occupation and two wars in the meantime put paid to our carefully laid plans. The beautiful facilities built up over the years by the club were completely destroyed by Israeli bombs and at one stage the club's very existence was in question.
“But, true to their indomitable spirit, the members cleared the rubble and got on with their lives. Sadly many of the club's players and officials we had met on that wonderful trip are now among the dead and injured.
“We do not need to go into the horrendous situation the people of the Gaza Strip have endured for the last 10 years, but safe is to say that this trip is all about bringing children who, by the age of 15 will have already been through five wars and a never ending siege, to Ireland for a much needed break.
“The Gaza Strip itself is home to some 2 million people and with a population density which is already one of the highest in the world. On average, some 4,505 people live on every square kilometer in Gaza. That’s expected to rise to 5,835 people per square kilometer by 2020. The strip itself is just 40km (25 miles) long and 10km wide, an enclave bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel and Egypt.
“The reality is, for nearly all children under 15, they will have never left an area bigger that 12 miles by 4 miles. This will be the first time in their lives that they will have ever seen the outside world. This is where we hope the people of Ireland can come in, and by helping in any away they can to fund or work on this wonderful project, we would see the party arriving in Ireland on July 14th this year for a two-week visit.
“The team will comprise of 16 players and four officials. We have pledged to take up all costs associated with this trip, which means a serious fundraising effort on an all-Ireland basis. The team will initially be based in the Nenagh area and will spend time in Limerick, Cork and Dublin. We are actively inviting ideas as to places and people to visit, so as to forge both cultural and sporting links for the club, as well as giving the children the good time they deserve.
“It is both sad and ironic that the players who are this year travelling to Ireland were on the Under 12 squad when we first visited their club in 2012. We as a committee would appeal for funds and all the help groups and individuals can provide for this visit.”
Visit the Gaza Kids 2 Ireland Facebook page for more information and to make donations.