At 5.33 this evening a loud bang sounded from behind Hill 16 and a banner was unfurled in Croke Park's Upper Cusack Stand. It said 'Let Them Play', an appeal to the Irish Immigration Service who last week denied visa applications for a group of young Palestinian players and mentors ahead of a summer tour to Ireland.
"Our immigration services take their responsibilities very, very seriously. I know they will be very much aware of the well-being, the health needs of the children who have been affected by this decision and will done their best to make this decision in a judicious and humane way."
"The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable, leading to reasonable doubts as to the reliability of statements made."