More than 160 Irish athletes call for Israel boycott

In a modest Dublin community centre, more than 160 Irish athletes gathered around a table to sign an open letter, urging the Republic of Ireland senior men’s football team to refuse the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel that are scheduled for late September and early October.

Upcoming Nations League fixtures

The Republic of Ireland are set to face Israel on 27 September in Hungary, with the return match in Serbia on 4 October. These games will be the team’s first competitive appearance since their World Cup play‑off semi‑final loss to the Czech Republic in March. Since then, Ireland have recorded wins over Grenada and Qatar and draws with North Macedonia and Canada in four friendlies.

In July, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) General Assembly voted 75‑32‑3 in favour of proceeding with the fixtures, despite a request to UEFA to separate the sides being rejected. The FAI warned that a boycott could inflict significant and lasting harm on Irish football, estimating a possible loss of €10.3 million (£9 million).

Broad coalition of Irish athletes calls for boycott

The open letter, drafted by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group, bears the signatures of more than 160 sportspeople across disciplines. Among them are Olympian middle‑distance runner Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, ex‑rugby fly‑half Tony Ward – who previously boycotted an Irish tour of South Africa – and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan.

Ogbene urges Ireland to shut out pressure ahead of Israel clash

Also signing are GAA figures Padraig O’Hora, Joe Brolly, Colm O’Rourke, Michael Darragh Macauley, Philly McMahon, Valerie Mulcahy and Rena Buckley, as well as para‑athlete Alan Dineen and ultimate‑frisbee player Stephen Jones, both of whom have already refused to compete against Israel earlier this year.

The letter declares, “This is a significant moment and with this moment you have an opportunity to do the right thing… Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do.” It urges the team to remember Ireland’s anti‑colonial and anti‑imperial heritage and to let sport unite rather than divide.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has spoken to each squad member individually about the Israel fixtures, stating that “none of us feel comfortable playing in these games”. His candid discussions underscore the uneasy atmosphere surrounding the upcoming matches.

With the September and October dates fast approaching, the Irish Sport for Palestine Group maintains that there is still time for the Football Association of Ireland, UEFA and the Irish government to act, allowing sport to demonstrate its unifying power.