The latest round of Women’s Premier Division (WPD) matches were not just a series of mere games, but brought with them the sense of hope and determination that often surrounds football outside the remit of traditional gameplay.
Indeed, this week has seen a large emphasis put on the importance of the atmosphere football creates and how this sport in particular, brings people together.
Shels - the gift that keeps on giving
Shelbourne continued their winning streak when they played DLR Waves last Saturday in an away match at the UCD Bowl, beating their Dublin counterparts 3-0.
The first point of the game came at the end of the first half when Lucy O’Rourke took a corner kick toward the back post of the Waves net before Shelbourne captain Pearl Slattery headed the ball into the goal.
Slattery went on to score another point for her club in the second half, capitalising on another pivotal corner kick. Just over ten minutes after the second point was secured, 15-year-old Shels youngster Rebecca Devereux kicked the ball toward Waves goalkeeper Eve Badana who attempted a save before the ball fell through her hands and into the net.
At present, Shels stand at second place in the league behind Galway United. Their latest win keeps DLR Waves at the bottom of the WPD table who will continue their season with a game against Peamount on May 25.
Outside of their women’s team's success on the pitch, Shelbourne have secured a 250 year lease of their home stadium, Tolka Park.
𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸
A special place that means so much to so many.
A Dublin institution with a storied past, now has a bright future.#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/01RQcRL9PS— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) May 14, 2024
A Win for Cork
Cork City triumphed 2-1 over Shamrock Rovers in what was their first home victory since Turners Cross reopened its doors. The stadium previously announced its indefinite closure in early April to repair damages to its pitch.
In a show of support, a junior academy member and city fan was included in the team’s post-match huddle.
This is brilliant 👏🏼💚 https://t.co/O8JadDyzY3
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) May 12, 2024
Bohemians Prepare to Make History
Dublin’s Bohemian FC are preparing to take on the Palestinian women’s national football team at Dalymount Park on May 15. Crowds gathered at Dublin airport on Sunday to welcome the side’s players as they landed in Ireland.
Bohs have announced that tickets have sold out for the game, highlighting Ireland’s prevalent support for the people of Gaza amidst an ongoing war in the Middle East.
The game will take place on May 15, the day officially reserved for the commemoration of the Nakba in Palestine. With kick off scheduled for 7:45 PM, viewers will also have the option to show support by buying a non-attendance ticket or by buying a live stream of the game. All of the proceeds received will go towards raising humanitarian funds.
Bohemian FC v Palestine is now completely SOLD OUT.
If you still wish to show your support and help raise vital humanitarian funds you can do so in two ways:
1. Buy a non-attendance ticket: https://t.co/vvaBsFRC8a
2. Buy a live stream of the game: https://t.co/7eLuchBPfk… pic.twitter.com/BNbhOkem7H— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) May 13, 2024
Bohemian FC poet John Cummins highlighted the powerful ethos of such a game.
“Football connects us, football unites, educates, frustrates us, football excites. Football has the power to take us away from the troubles in our day, that’s why we play.
“And for a few minutes, we’re a child again, not a care in the world, free to run wild again, to fun smile again, spend a while again and again and again in the company of a ball. Girl, boy, old, young, no matter the tongue, football is a friend.”
Club poet John Cummins with a few words ahead of tomorrow's game. ❤️
"Football has the power to take us away from the troubles in our day". pic.twitter.com/jnvkqaQcKz— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) May 14, 2024
