Dublin Devils FC lose on penalties in GFSN Cup Final at Tolka Park

Gary Ibbotson 30 May 2022

Village Manchester FC (red) and Dublin Devils FC (blue) walk out on to the pitch before Saturday’s final. Photo: Paul Reardon

Dublin’s first LGBT+ football team, the Dublin Devils FC narrowly lost in the final of the GFSN Cup in Tolka Park on Saturday, June 28.

Up against reigning champions, Village Manchester FC, the Dublin Devils lost on penalties 4 – 2 after playing out a tense nil-all draw in Drumcondra.

The GFSN Cup, or Gay Football Supporter’s Network Cup, is the premier LGBT+ football competition across the UK and Ireland.

It was the first time that the final of the competition was held in Ireland and was also the first time an Irish team had reached the stage of the competition.

After the match, the club said in a statement that they were “proud of our dedicated players and coaching team to get us to our first GFSN Cup final.

“We’d like to congratulate Village Manchester Football Club (VMFC) on winning the GFSN Cup for the 4th time, and for being the first team to retain the trophy.”

Shelbourne FC said it was “extremely proud to host such a landmark event which celebrates equality of access to football after hosting an annual match with the Dublin Devils since 2017.”