"It is, of course, so much more than a game", Bohemian F.C. President Matt Devaney of the historic Palestine Vs Bohs match.

Stepping into Dalymount and seeing the sea of Palestinian flags, keffiyehs and home made signs, the atmosphere was teeming with a singleness of purpose: Palestinian liberation.

As the pre match ceremonials kicked off, Irish Palestinian artist Roisin El Cherif sang the Fedayeen Warrior- the national anthem of Palestine, in an utterly moving performance. It is rare, even in Palestine, to see such an unabashed celebration of Palestinian nationhood, and on the 76th anniversary of the Nakba it is all the more extraordinary.

Following on Cherif's performance was Lankum's Radie Peat who brought her unique vocals to Ireland's Amhrán na bhFiann.

There was of course a sombreness to the jubilance, and as much as this historic match was a celebration of life, there are ongoing horrors in Gaza. A minute of silence was held for those who were killed at the hand of Israeli oppression.

Palestine vs Bohemians. 15/05/2024. Photo: Hannah Boican

It was in this impassioned atmosphere that the match was held, and the Palestinian's Women's team were rockstars. Every time Palestine were close to scoring, the crowd oo-eed and ah-ed on cue. Palestinian goalkeeper Charlotte Phillips masterfully fielded goals throughout the first half, against a stronger looking Bohemian offensive.

For the uneducated attendee, it would be near possible to guess that Palestine were the away team, such was the crowd's devotion.

However, the first goal of the night was masterfully delivered by the Bohemian's Katie Malone, and the 4,290 people crowd went wild.

Palestine closed the lead quickly, scoring an equaliser in a matter of minutes. But perhaps the most memorable piece of play of the night was the winning Palestinian goal, scored by Nour Youssef 12 minutes before time- which sent the crowd into nothing short of a frenzy.

The halftime show, which was due to be helmed by Christy Moore, saw last min sub Mary Black step in, who sang for President Michael d. Higgins who was also in attendance.

Mary Black at the Palestine vs Bohemians friendly. 15/05/2024. Photo: Hannah Boican

For the more hedonistic among the attendees, djs Annie Mac and Toddla T were found on decks in the Mono Bar after the game.

Palestinian player Bisan Abuaita had described football stadiums in the West Bank as "hotspots" and not in the sense that the exultant Dalymount Park was on Tuesday night.

"It's where it's not safe to be. Last season were were playing and game in Ramallah, they [the IDF] gas bombed all around the field and we couldn't breathe. we had to stop playing".

76 years previous to the day, the Nakba (translated as "catastrophe" in Arabic), an ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Mandatory Palestine occurred. The Nakba saw the violent displacement and dispossession of land, property, and belongings, along with the destruction of Palestinian culture, identity, political rights, and national aspirations. Around 700,000 Palestinians were displaced at this time.

Palestine vs Bohemians friendly 15/05/2024. Photo: Hannah Boican

The historical significance of this anniversary, and the powerful resistance in celebrating Palestine was not lost on the elated crowd, who for the course of the 90 minutes kept chanting "From the River to the Sea...Palestine will be free".

To see Palestinian and Irish women play under a clear blue sky, surrounded by an expanse of green, white, red and black, gave a small but life affirming crumb of what a future Palestine could have on the world stage.

🗣 'They thought they could get rid of us, and they can't - this is proof of our existence.'

🇵🇸 Palestine player Charlotte Phillips' gave a powerful interview alongside her grandparents following their 2-1 win over @bfcdublin last night.

🎙: @ashoreilly_ pic.twitter.com/ltyFWpdzjL

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 16, 2024