The Pride Cup returns for 2021 with Shelbourne XI set to take on Dublin Devils

Chloe Mustaki returns for a second spell at Tolka Park

Tolka Park is the venue for the first Pride Cup game since 2019. Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Shelbourne have announced the return of the Pride Cup with the Reds set to face Dublin Devils on Saturday, 19 June (kick-off 2pm).

The Reds team to take on the Devils will be made up of well-known Shelbourne figures including Tony Sheridan, Stuey Byrne, Alan Cawley, Ian Morris, Seana Cooke and Shels staff.

The game is an official Dublin Pride 2021 event and this will be the fourth annual game against the Devils with the 2020 match cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s fantastic to see the return of this brilliant game at Tolka Park this year again,” Shelbourne’s Communications Officer Gavin White said, speaking to the club’s website.

“It was extremely disappointing last year among many frustrations at losing our annual game to celebrate diversity in the game but it makes its return all the better.

“Shelbourne Football Club is a place welcome to absolutely everyone and this game is a perfect example of this ethos.

“The Devils’ progress since 2005 has been astonishing and we hope they can continue to grow their wonderful community.”

The Dublin Devils were formed in 2005 and they are the capital’s LGBTQ+ inclusive football team. They have been facing off against Shels in the Pride Cup since 2017 and the club’s Chair John Coary is pleased to see the event return.

“As a club we are delighted to have the opportunity to play at Tolka Park again and to line up against some true Shelbourne heroes,” Coary told Shels website.

“The Pride Cup is a really important event in the Dublin Pride calendar, in helping to promote LGBT+ inclusion in sport, and it’s great to see it return this year.



“The support that Shelbourne FC have shown us over the years has been truly amazing and we’re very grateful for their continued support and friendship.

“That support has been instrumental in allowing us to grow as a club and allowed us to offer an essential sporting outlet to the LGBT+ community here in Dublin.”

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile