Michael Darragh Macauley believes the GAA has a way to go yet in terms of inclusion.
The ex-Dublin star is now the North East Inner City initiative Community Sport and Wellness Co-ordinator and last year witnessed what can be done between communities through the joint Football for Unity project with SARI.
This year's festival starts on June 6 and continues over six weeks.
As for the GAA's response to bringing new communities on board, Macauley assessed: "I'd say improving is probably the word but definitely not there yet.
"I don't think there's probably a good enough representation of the multicultural mix that Ireland now has in terms what we see at the top levels of senior football.
"Even within the club scene, there's definitely some work to do there.
"There's a diversion and inclusion board set up within the GAA and the GPA. I'm involved with some, they're active but there's still a bit to go.
"It's one of those things that will never happen overnight but the more visibility and messaging you get out there for people to feel comfortable and push forward, the better. The GAA has a bit of work to do.
Macauley added: "It's visibility, it's role models, it's people feeling safe within the sport.
"There are, unfortunately, examples of people suffering racist abuse on GAA pitches. There's no point in people trying to duck and dive from it.
"That will be a deterrent from anyone wanting to get involved. Things like that need to change.
"Even at grassroots level, with some of the new refugees here, is it going to be accessible for them to access the local GAA club? Is that going to be an inclusive space?
"There are language barriers, which are a huge thing. These are all things that have to be looked at."
Football For Unity 2022 festival, hosted by Sport Against Racism Ireland and the Dublin North East Inner City initiative, takes place from June 6th to July 15th. For further information, or to register a team, log on to www.footballforunity.ie "
