Dublin City Council to Host Civic Welcome for Shamrock Rovers Captain and Cabo Verde International Pico Lopes

Dublin City Council will host a special civic welcome for Shamrock Rovers Captain and Cabo Verde international Pico Lopes at Lourdes Celtic FC, the club where his football journey first began.

The event will take place on Saturday, 25 July 2026 at 2pm at Eamonn Ceannt Park, Lourdes Celtic FC (Rutland Grove Entrance) and will celebrate Pico's remarkable achievements in football, including his role in helping Cabo Verde reach the FIFA World Cup, while recognising the important contribution of Lourdes Celtic FC and the local community to his development.

From grassroots football in Dublin to captaining one of Ireland's most successful clubs and representing his country on the international stage, Pico's journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through talent, dedication and community support.

The civic reception will honour Pico's achievements and highlight the vital role local clubs such as Lourdes Celtic play in nurturing young talent and strengthening communities across Dublin.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said, "Dublin City Council is proud to welcome Pico Lopes back to the community where his football journey began. His achievements for both Shamrock Rovers and Cabo Verde have made him a source of pride for Dublin and an inspiration to young people across the city. This event is also an opportunity to recognise the important work of Lourdes Celtic FC in supporting and developing local sporting talent."

A spokesperson for Lourdes Celtic FC said, "Lourdes Celtic is delighted to partner with Dublin City Council in celebrating Pico's achievements. We are honoured to host this special occasion and to welcome Pico back to the club where he first developed his love of the game. His success is a testament to his hard work and determination, and he continues to be a fantastic role model for our young players and for grassroots football."

Pico Lopes said, "I am looking forward to returning to Lourdes Celtic and thanking everyone at the club and in the community for their support, both throughout my career and during Cabo Verde's World Cup journey. Lourdes Celtic gave me my start in football and will always hold a special place in my heart. It means a lot to celebrate these achievements at a grassroots club, because clubs like Lourdes Celtic are the heartbeat of football in Dublin. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this special occasion possible."

Members of the local community, young players, club representatives, elected members and invited guests will come together to celebrate a player whose journey from a local Dublin club to the international stage demonstrates the opportunities that sport can create and the lasting impact of community football.

ENDS