‘Mexico never leaves your heart’: football-mad expats gather in Dublin as World Cup kicks off
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Mexican expatriates in Dublin celebrated the World Cup's opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
- The event at the Button Factory highlighted a growing Mexican community in Ireland.
- Fans expressed strong national pride and optimism for Mexico's performance in the tournament.
The Button Factory in Dublin vibrated with the energy of Mexican expatriates gathered to watch their nation's World Cup opener against South Africa. Many in the crowd, a mix of young football fans and long-term residents, had never experienced a World Cup hosted by Mexico, with the last one in 1986. The venue, packed to capacity, was just one of several locations across Dublin and Cork where the community came together.
You can leave Mexico, but Mexico can never leave your heart.
"You can leave Mexico, but Mexico can never leave your heart," said Elizabeth Lopez, an Irish citizen proudly displaying her native country's colors. Ivan Murillo, feeling the pre-game jitters, expressed optimism that Mexico could reach the semi-finals. Oscar Castillo, sporting an El Santo mask, anticipated a memorable experience regardless of the outcome, stating, "We are expecting to win. Whatever happens it is so good to be in Dublin with our people."
I’m as nervous as if I was about to play. My legs are shaking right now.
Ignacio Beni, a nine-year resident of Ireland, noted the increasing visibility of the Mexican community, remarking, "I never knew there were so many Mexicans in Dublin. The community is growing every year." The atmosphere intensified with boos for the opposing team's flag and fervent cheers for Mexico's. The collective singing of the Mexican national anthem, "Himno Nacional Mexicano," with fists over hearts, underscored the deep national pride on display.
Tonight is going to be one of our best experiences of our lives.
The match itself delivered early excitement as Julián Quinoñes scored the opening goal of the tournament within eight minutes. While the dream of an "Irish invasion" of Mexico for a future match remains a distant possibility, the Dublin gathering offered a potent taste of a home World Cup atmosphere for the diaspora.
We are expecting to win. Whatever happens it is so good to be in Dublin with our people.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Irish Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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