A Dublin-based team representing Congo was triumphant in the inaugural soccer tournament dedicated to the memory of late community activist Pascal Gueu Foide.
Foide, who passed away two years ago in Brussels, was a senior volunteer with Sari and a veteran of 10 of the organisation's annual Soccerfests.
The tournament, which took place over two weekends at the Fingal County Council grounds at Parlickstown in Mulhuddart, was hosted by the Ivorian Diaspora Ireland in partnership with Sport Against Racism Ireland (Sari).
Seven teams representing Côte d’Ivoire and other African countries were joined by guests from Portugal to play through a mixture of torrential rain and blazing sunshine in a spirit of solidarity and friendship.
The matches also formed the first part of an events programme co-ordinated by Youssouf Bamba Gba that included a seminar and cultural evening held in the Teachers Club at Dublin’s Parnell Square on Saturday 10 August to celebrate Ivorian Independence Day.
The evening included an information session on Ivorian trade with Ireland and an update on the socio-economic and political situation in the country, followed by music and dance from the west African state.
Special guest on the evening to present the winners’ was new Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison, who also kicked off the ball for the tournament final on Sunday.
