“Love is all you Need by The Beatles echoed throughout the stadium as the Bohemians and Palestine players graced the field, marking a momentous event in the annals of Irish football. A massive crowd filled Dalymount Park to the brim and enthusiastic newcomers to football dominated the ambiance, upstaging the devoted Bohemians’ supporters in the Jodi Stand by cheering spiritedly for the visiting team.
Amidst this balmy Dublin evening, a gentle breeze billowing thousands of Palestinian flags, an array of A-list guests including football players, musicians, poets, artists and families generated an atmosphere synonymous with the buzz usually seen at Ireland’s matches at Tallaght stadium or at any other major festival.
The lively celebrations commenced early and continued well after the match ended. The iconic Beatles kicked off the event, with the closing act by Annie Mac and Toddla T, who DJed at the Mono Bar— one of two bars inside the vintage park.
Altogether, 4,390 tickets were sold, yet the occasion bore no resemblance to the regular League of Ireland men’s matches held at the stadium. Even a casual mention of the Irish President, Michael D Higgins sent the crowd erupting in uproarious applause, louder than anything heard at the packed Aviva Stadium. The players and officials from each team felt honoured to be invited to Áras an Uachtaráin, a gesture that clearly resonated with them.
Róisín El Cherif performed a touching rendition of the Palestinian anthem, The Fedayeen Warrior, which included a vow to die a warrior for the country’s return. In response, Lankum’s Radie Peat sang a flawless rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann.
Although rivalry was toned down for the day, there was no shortage of competitive spirit. Bohs outperformed with young talent Savannah Kane capturing the attention and Nour Youseff, Union Berlin’s German-born striker who kept Tiegan Ruddy on her toes. The game ended on Youseff’s high note, but the halftime whistle that signaled player’s return to the pavilion was received with as much exhilaration as the celebration of the opening goal.”
Set to appear 34 years after opening for Status Quo on the same turf, Christy Moore was slated to perform. However, his last-minute withdrawal didn’t pose any issue as Mary Black took the stage instead. As dusk drew over Dalymount, Black offered a fitting tribute with her hit, ‘No Frontiers’, and the audience assertively felt that nothing but a woman’s heart would suffice.
The game programme proved to be a keepsake, featuring poetry and artwork. While there was an undertone of criticism directed towards Fifa President Gianni Infantino and Israel, the overriding atmosphere was one of celebration. This centred around female athletes who had journeyed from the West Bank and across the globe to compete against the best of Phibsborough.
Rebecca O’Keefe, a past player for Ireland’s basketball team, penned “The essence of sport is sportsmanship.” She continued, “This friendly fixture between Palestine and Bohemians lends an exceptional significance to the typical act of sportsmanship.
“In moments when joy, play and laughter seem tainted with guilt, or seemingly inconsistent with the universal sorrow and trauma currently experienced worldwide, sport can provide a unique relief – a temporary liberation, even.”
Bohs, being in the middle of their season and holding the seventh place in the Premier Division, indicated their superior conditioning early in the second half when Katie Malone scored a goal. Sparking a planned celebration, the whole home team came together to display a Palestinian t-shirt.
Whilst the final score of 2-1 favouring the visitors wasn’t the focus, Palestine’s robust pressure on Bohs did cause Shauna Carroll to score an own goal. Unexpectedly, it was Youseff who sealed victory for them, skilfully bypassing two defenders to slide the ball past Bohs goalkeeper, Rachael Kelly. The game mattered to the players. The entire experience unquestionably significantly impacted them.