MARTIN M

Devils At 20

In April 2005, a bunch of lads in Tallaght decided that football should be about more than Sunday league grumbles, bruised shins, and the odd pint after. Out they went for a friendly kick about, calling themselves “Men United.” Nothing dramatic. Just football, sunshine, and craic. Fastforward twenty years, and that handful of hopefuls are now the Dublin Devils FC— Ireland’s largest LGBT+ inclusive football club, a name known in Dublin’s queer nightlife, Europe’s football tournaments, and, perhaps most importantly, in the hearts of anyone who ever thought football wasn’t for them.

By 2006, the Devils had their name, their first committee, and even a constitution but it was never just about football. The Devils were, and still are, about belonging. For gay lads who never saw themselves on the pitch, for bi, trans, and queer players who thought sport wasn’t their scene, for anyone who wanted a kick about without side-eye or judgment—the Devils said: Lace up, you’re welcome.

They’ve flown the rainbow flag on pitches around the world from the Gay Games in Chicago to the IGLFA World Championships in Argentina and London. Their crowning glory was in Manchester, 2011 when the Devils won the European Championships in a nailbiting penalty shootout.

They even brought Europe to Dublin, hosting the 2013 Championships with clubs from across the continent. For one glittering weekend, Dublin was the gay football capital of Europe. If you were there, you’ll remember: the games, the pride, and the afterparties. It was football but it was also family.

One of the most beautiful things about the Devils is that their social calendar is as lively as their fixture list. Quizzes, BBQs, Christmas parties, Pride floats— they’ve mastered the art of mixing goals with good times. Their matches are full of joy, but don’t be fooled: they’re competitive too, turning out 11-a-side and 5-a-side squads in Dublin leagues, often against teams who’ve never played an LGBT+ side before.

Off the pitch, the Devils have been powerful voices in tackling homophobia in football. They’ve partnered with GLEN, SARI, and the Justin Campaign, using football to break down barriers and change minds. For every headline about a professional player still too afraid to come out, the Devils have been living proof that football and queerness belong together.

Partnerships with sponsors and teams like Bohemians club for their pride on the pitch initiative are a great way to spread their message of inclusion and to break down social barriers all starting with an idea from their founder Mark O’Donovan 20 years ago with a group of 9 lads in Tallaght.

So, how do you celebrate twenty years of football, friendship, and fabulousness? With a party, of course or a whole year of them. 2025 is the “Devils 20” anniversary, and the calendar is stuffed with dinners, The Declan Flynn Cup, The annual Table Quiz, Summer BBQ, autumn tournaments and a blow-out Christmas Party.

You can measure impact in silverware, sure. But the Dublin Devils’ true legacy is cultural. They’ve normalised LGBT+ visibility in Irish football. They’ve given hundreds of people a safe space to play. They’ve represented Ireland proudly abroad. And they’ve built a model of inclusivity that other clubs now look to. Two decades ago, Ireland was still finding its feet on LGBT+ rights. Today, same-sex marriage is legal, rainbow families are celebrated, and in the world of football, the Devils have played a part in that change. They’ve been ambassadors, change makers, and above all, friends.

What’s next for the Devils? Bigger squads, more tournaments, louder voices, and brighter rainbows. They’re stepping into their third decade with boots polished and banners flying. Their message hasn’t changed since that first Sunday in Tallaght: football is for everyone. So here’s to twenty years of goals, glory, Guinness, and glitter. To the Devils who dared to make football fabulous. And to the next twenty, where the only thing fiercer than their tackles will be their pride.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

It’s easy to talk about cups and campaigns, but what really makes the Devils special are the people. Each story is different, but the theme is the same: football gave them confidence, connection, and community. For twenty years, the Devils have been quietly saving people one kick about at a time and their community expands outside of their players to their family and friends, fans and some incredible sponsors like Irish Life, The George and Beauchamps.

Happy birthday, Dublin Devils—you’ve earned every cheer.