Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport have confirmed this week that they will not attend the Ireland v Israel match.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire told The Hard Shoulder on Friday that the Government “come out and say” that the upcoming match between Israel and Ireland will not be going ahead.
Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport have confirmed this week that they will not attend the Ireland v Israel match at the Aviva Stadium later this year.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said this afternoon that Ireland does not want to be "self-defeating" in its approach to international soccer matches against Israel in the autumn.
“In my view, what the government needs to do very clearly is to say that the game should not be going ahead”, Mr Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said.
“I think that that would be considerable political cover for the FAI to be able to stand up for UEFA rules.
“The FAI should take a stand in relation to that, make it clear, show moral leadership and say that we are not going to participate in this game.”
Mr Ó Laoghaire said that while it was the government’s choice to state its opinion, both ministers were political actors.
26/11/2025 Dublin, Ireland. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Patrick O'Donovan. Picture by: Leah Farrell.“They can state their opinion as to whether they believe this match should go ahead or not.
“I think that they should make it very clear that they don't believe this match should go ahead. “
Government officials should 'come out and say' the Israel v Ireland match will not go ahead.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire emphasised that Irish football players had made their positions clear about the match not going ahead and that the FAI “needs to respect the wishes of its members.”
“It needs to take a stand and state that this match should not go ahead.
“This is a state that is responsible for appalling crimes against the civilian population and a football association that is acting in clear contravention of FIFA rules.”
He said that letting the match go ahead is “handing Israel a pass”.
Israel football fans hold up a flag in the stand. Picture by:PA Images.“Clearly, an example needs to be set”, he added.
“I do believe that will have an effect on other countries, on other football associations, as to their willingness to take part in many other countries and many other sets of players and football associations would be deeply uncomfortable with playing such a match.
“I think that Ireland can set a clear example of moral leadership here and the government should back them.
He described the UEFA’s fine threats as “disgraceful” and “appalling” and the various forms of protest seen in matches as “fair enough”.
“Like it really is one of the most appalling situations that we've seen in this century”, he told The Hard Shoulder.
“In such a context, protest is warranted. And I think it will escalate.”
Main Image: Israel football fans hold up a flag in the stand. Picture by: PA Images.
