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Showing a Red Card to Rascism Until recently, Ireland was essentially a mono-cultural society. However, over the past ten years, the numbers of non-Irish people living and working here has increased substantially.

The arrival of refugees from Eastern Europe and Africa has broadened the mix even further, lending the city an even more flamboyant, modern atmosphere.

However there is evidence that the local population in certain areas is not responding particularly well to the changing landscape around them. Refugees in particular have complained of being subjected to racial abuse and aggression. And in general, people of African background can sometimes be made to feel unwelcome.

Sports Against Rascism was organised to highlight the issue of racism in Irish society. Just over a year ago, the organisation's first event was organised - a hugely successful Soccer Against Rascism Tournament, which was won by a team from the Congo. On September 19th and 20th the 1998 event takes place in the Law Society of Ireland sports grounds in Smithfield - and it's bigger, better and more ambitious than ever.

The centrepiece of the event is a Multi-National Soccer competition. Teams taking part in the two-day event include: the Congo, Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Nigeria, The Islamic Centre, HOT Press Munchengladbach 1891, Amnesty International, All Sports Athletic, Dublin Brewing Company, the Gardaí and the Dublin Diplomatic selection.

There will be two teams representing the Travelling community involved.

"We've had to extend it over two days because there are 24 teams entered this year," organiser Frank Buckley explains. "But that also enables us to have a greater number of activities going on and to involve more people generally."

Among those who've given the tournament their endorsement are Irish international Curtis Fleming and the first black manager of a senior professional club in Britain, Chris Kamara - both of whom will be in Dublin for the festivities.

"We also have Uriah Rene, the Premiership's first black referee coming in," Buckley adds, "which is brilliant. The whole thing is shaping up to be a really wonderful weekend."

There is also an under-14s five-a side competition, basketball and a wealth of international food, music and entertainment.