A gay asylum seeker living in direct provision in Clondalkin says being part of one of Dublin's only gay men's football team has been a lifeline for him.
Hicham Lamchaali came to Ireland as an asylum seeker in 2016. He was born and raised in Morocco.
"It's illegal in my country to be gay or part of any LGBT community. They feel like you are a shame if you're gay or lesbian or bisexual.
"They feel you should be killed. So I couldn't tell my family because of my background. We are a Muslim country. It was very hard for me," said Mr Lamchaali.
The 34-year-old has been living in a direct provision centre in Clondalkin since he arrived in Ireland.
Mr Lamchaali also found it hard to be openly gay within the direct provision centre saying it is a lonely experience.
As part of the asylum seeking process Hicham Lamchaali attended counselling.
"My doctor was a bit worried about me. She asked me, ‘why are you crying?’ I said I am going to commit suicide. That was one of the ideas in my head.
"You say, ‘what is the point? There isn't a life for me here.’ Every time I think about it I feel like crying," remembers Mr Lamchaali.
Mr Lamchaali's doctor recommended he get in touch with the Dublin Devils football club.
Dublin Devils was set up more than ten years ago and describes itself as a gay and inclusive club.
The chairperson of Dublin Devils FC, John McAree said, "in Hicham's circumstances, I think it's vitally important that he has something like this to be involved in. He's always telling us we are like a family to him."
"The Dublin Devils mean a lot to me. I can't even find the words to explain what they mean to me. They are more than family. They are my friends.
"You can be free to [say] who you are dating, to say who you are without fear," said Mr Lamchaali.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, the SAMARITANS helpline number is 116 123 and PIETA HOUSE is 1800 247 247.
