President Michael D Higgins has recognised the bold gesture made by Dublin-based Bohemians football club in hosting the Palestinian women’s national team for their inaugural match in Europe. He extended his best wishes to both the Palestinian team and the Bohemian’s women’s team during a reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin on Monday.
The Palestinian team were represented at the reception by manager Dima Said, captain Mira Natour and vice-captain Jeniver Shattara; while Ken Kiernan, captain Rachael Kelly and young player Savanah Kane represented Bohemians. Also in attendance were Jibril Rajoub, president of Palestinian Football Association, and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid.
The women of the Palestine team expressed their anticipation for the match and their gratitude for the support they have received from Ireland, according to a spokesman for the President. The team enjoyed past success, reaching the semi-finals in the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship, which was held in Saudi Arabia in February. The team scored victories over Iraq and Syria during group stages, although they were eventually defeated by Jordan in the semi-finals.
Proceeds from the ticket sales for the Wednesday’s match at Dalymount Park will be used to cover the costs of the visit of the Palestinian team and delegation. The rest will be distributed among charity partners Palestine Sport for Life, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Aclaí Palestine.
A separate matter, calls have also been made for Rathgar’s Herzog Park in southern Dublin to be renamed Edward Said Park, chosen to honour the memory of the deceased Palestinian political activist, author, and intellectual. This suggestion comes from an independent group of councillors, led by councillor Ciaren Perry. They argue that renaming the park, originally named after Chaim Herzog, would signify the Irish public’s condemnation and objection to the Gaza conflict.
Proposals had been made to rename the park in tribute to Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza in January by Israeli forces. However, existing council regulations stipulate that landmarks can only be named posthumously after individuals who have deceased at least 20 years prior, as stated by the group.