A warm Sunday afternoon was the backdrop at the Oscar Traynor Centre as the Bohemians MU15s welcomed Galway United to the capital for the seventh round of fixtures in the EA Sports MU15 LOI Academy league.

The opening 15 minutes saw an aggressive Galway attack seek to wear down and force mistakes against a resolute Bohs defence. Bohs remained patient and sought to hit Galway on the counter with Chuckwu and Idah being the key men in attempting to cause issues amongst the Galway backline.

The two wide-men were having success in drawing fouls from the Galway defence which helped create the best Bohs chance of the opening half an hour – a great delivery was met by the head of Bohs defender, Dunne, who forced a great save from the Galway keeper.

The second third began with the Bohs backline continuing to confidently deal with high Galway balls. A loose ball caused Bohs no.3 Josh Delves to catch an oncoming Galway player with an outstretched leg which saw the young man given his second yellow.

Galway with a man advantage sought to turn-the-screw on Bohs forcing an excellent save from the Bohs no.1 McDonnell who turned the ball around the post for a Galway corner. The ensuing Galway corner caused a goalmouth scramble before Cillian Tollett managed to put the Tribesmen ahead in the 35th minute.

A man-and-goal down, Karl Keogh’s side began to control the game and create chances in an attempt to level the game. The Gypsies’ attacking play was orchestrated through Coyle and Skoubo Keely in the midfield who were constantly looking to play attacking and forward passes.

The best Bohs chance of the 2nd 3rd was, again, created by Coyle after an excellent solo run before playing a slide-rule played into Schabowski who had his effort turned around the post for a corner.

The final third saw a Bohs side in hot-pursuit of an equaliser as they continued to pressure the Galway backline. Bohs were rewarded for their efforts in the 64th minute when the head of Christian Coyle met the brilliant delivery of Colgan to bring Bohs level.

The remaining 25 minutes turned into an excellent back-and-forth game with Bohs sides desperate to leave with all three points. A series of Galway corners were dealt with brilliantly and calmly by the Bohs goalkeeper who had commanded his box well all game.

However, Bohs were fortunate as one thundering Galway header crashed off the crossbar before being cleared by Bohs.

Bohs continued to press and an excellent tackle by Coyle in the middle of the pitch saw Bohs hit Galway on the counter; an excellent ball played between the Galway backline was squared to Idah who was unable to convert the chance as it drifted marginally wide.

Galway had the last chance of the game after an incisive break which found them in a 2v1 against McDonnell. Thankfully for Bohs, the Galway attacker was unable to convert the chance.

Soon after, the referee Jack Nolan blew for full-time at the Oscar Traynor Centre bringing an end to a back-and-forth game of football which showcased the resilience and determination of this Bohs team.

Bohemian’s U15s manager Karl Keogh reflected on the game: “As the head coach, I am very proud of the players for their performance today. Our performance was an excellent workout for our players.”

He explained that “the experience of playing over an hour with ten players in three different systems is invaluable to the group’s learning and development this season, as well as in the future.”

“Every game and every gameweek offers a learning opportunity, and today the players really rose to the challenge. Playing against any Galway team isn’t an easy game, and doing it with a man down”

Keogh said that he and Derek couldn’t be “prouder of how we approached this.”

“On Tuesday, we will continue to work hard and go again with all of the above in mind, proud that our lads left nothing behind today, and were unlucky not to come away with all 3 points. Credit to Galway today also, who caused us a lot of problems,” he concluded.

B/dropcap]ohemian FC can confirm that Derwin Adewale has joined Serie A club Lecce for an undisclosed fee.

Having joined from St Kevin’s Boys, the left-back has progressed right through the Bohemians academy system, becoming a regular for the U19s, and winning the Enda McGuill Cup last year.

He made his first-team debut as a substitute against Sligo Rovers last November, and also started for the first team in Leinster Senior Cup wins against Crumlin United and Shelbourne this season.

Adewale said: “I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Bohemians – from all the staff to the players – for all the amazing memories and experiences I’ve had with you on and off the pitch, and for playing a huge role in my development both as a player and a person.

“The club has been like a second family to me, and I’ll always cherish the time we spent together. As I am moving on now, I’ll never forget the support and love you’ve shown me and I will have a special place in my heart for this club.

“I’d also like to thank all my coaches over the years, Trevor Croly and Carl Grehan, for the work they put in with me this season. Also a huge thank-you to Seán L’Estrange and Patrick Kavanagh and of course Craig Sexton for the faith and time they put into me. Once again, thank you for everything.”

Bohemians Head of Academy Craig Sexton said: “We are very proud of Derin making a move to a Serie A club.He has been at the club for a number of years now and has worked extremely hard, both on his football and his education.

“He is leaving on the back of a really good Leaving Cert too, and this is now a huge opportunity for him. We all wish him really well and the very best of luck. We hope to see him progress now and hope that he has a really fruitful career.

“He is another player who has come through our pathway and is another player who the club have helped in terms of a dual career of football and education, which we believe is really important in bringing the best players through and supporting them along the way.”

Bohemians and Galway United played to a 3-3 draw in a closely contested EA Sports U-19 League match at the Oscar Traynor Centre. The game, held on Wednesday evening, was an even encounter in which both teams created plenty of chances.

Bohs started the game on a positive note, absorbing Galway pressure and showing promise on the break. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Jake McCormack’s precise header found the back of the net from a corner, giving Bohs the lead.

As the first half progressed, Bohs began to assert themselves create more chances, with Sean McCarthy’s efforts at full back catching the eye. Chris Lotefa came close with a low drive, and a combination between Taylor Mooney and Lotefa forced a save from Galway goalkeeper McDonagh. Just before half-time, Sean McMahon’s header hit the underside of the bar, denying Bohs a second goal.

The second half saw Bohs maintain their positive approach. Mooney’s effort off the post came close to extending the lead, setting the stage for Nickson Okosun’s brilliant finish in the 56th minute. A well-orchestrated play involving Finn Cowper Gray and a chipped pass from Billy Gilmore allowed Okosun to calmly find the net, doubling Bohs’ advantage.

Galway United found their footing, benefiting from a fortuitous bounce that led to Smyth’s goal, reducing the deficit. Galvanized by the goal, Galway equalized in the 75th minute, creating a tense finale. Their persistence paid off as they took the lead late in the game through a well-placed finish after Bohs’ goalkeeper Joseph Collins initially made a fine save.

Despite the setback, Bohs showcased their resilience. Adetobi Jinadu’s efforts earned a corner, which Mooney converted into an equaliser in the dying moments of the game. The final score stood at 3-3, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the encounter.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday September 1 2023, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45pm
Live on Virgin Media 2

Declan Devine says Bohemians come into tomorrow’s Dublin Derby away to Shamrock Rovers with confidence and self-belief.

Bohs lost the first two games against their rivals this season but battled from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 the last time the sides met, and Devine is aiming to go one better in Tallaght tomorrow.

He said: “There has been very little between the sides in the games we have played so far. In the first game we played against them at home, we were very good in the opening period, the game in Tallaght was decided by a decision that should have gone our way, and it was pleasing that we came from behind in the last game.

“But this is a brand new game. We are coming into it in fantastic form. We come into it with a lot of confidence and self-belief.

“We also know that they have been champions for the past three seasons for a reason. If we want to close that gap, and finish this season strongly, then this is a pivotal game for us.

“We need to match the performances that we have put on of late. We are away from home but we have won away from home in Inchicore and in the Brandywell this season, so we want to get maximum points in Tallaght too.

“We have spoken all week about how we will have to be at our very, very best. The one thing I will give this group of players is that they never give in and they never stop. That is what is going to be required in Tallaght.

“We are going to have to give everything for the duration of the game. I feel that our squad will again be crucial as I think it will be a game where we will have to use 14 or 15 players to participate.

“We are looking forward to the game. It hasn’t been over-hyped and we have prepared in the same way as we have for our last seven or eight games, which thankfully have gone well for us.”

Bohs come into the game unbeaten in eight – six in the league and two in the FAI Cup – which Devine hopes will stand to his side against Rovers, who are chasing their fourth league title in a row, as he looks to send supporters home happy.

He said: “It is pleasing that we have had the experience of the last few weeks of playing two really high level games of St Pat’s in Inchicore and Derry in Dalymount.

“Now we go to Tallaght again in front of the cameras. We have been fortunate that our players have played in front of big crowds all year, so that shouldn’t frighten us. We have also been involved in a lot of TV games this year, so that shouldn’t frighten us either.

“Our fans this year have travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to support and back us. The noise levels that they have generated, and the togetherness that we feel between the squad and the fans, is something that we should continue to try and build.

“It doesn’t matter if we are going to Tallaght or Dalymount, I want the fans to get right behind the team in both good moments and difficult moments, and for that to support to translate onto the pitch. If we continue to do that, the sky’s the limit for this group.”

Devine believes the competition for places within the group has been key to recent form, pointing to the example of James Clarke, who had to bide his time earlier in the season, but has been a star performer in recent weeks, scoring in three of Bohs’ four games this month.

Devine added: “At this moment in time, it is extremely difficult to be in my shoes trying to pick a starting XI. There are players there like James McManus, James Akintunde, Kris Twardek, Declan McDaid, Ali Coote, Bart Kukulowicz – players who probably feel they should be starting. But the competition for places is immense.

“Earlier in the season, for example, James Clarke was coming on and playing roles towards the latter stages of the game. But he is at a peak now where he is absolutely thriving at the minute.

“He is only 22 years of age and is getting better every week. His application to his football is second to none. He is not only a goalscoring threat from midfield, but his passing and penetration have been at the highest level.

“Long may it continue with James as I think we are only scratching the surface with him. He has only been at the club a year and I think over the next year or two, he can really develop into a top level player. The potential that the boy has is incredible.

“Just to see him playing with a smile on his face, and the energy he brings, is a joy. He has physically developed over the last six or seven months. He has got a fantastic understanding, not just with Jonathan Afolabi, but with his fellow midfield players behind him.

“But he has to be on top of his game because we have so many players competing for positions. That is something that is keeping everyone on his toes.

“With James, any time we have asked him to do something or give him a task, he has done it. He has had setbacks this year where he hasn’t been in the team but he never threw the towel in, never moped about, and never huffed and puffed.

“He kept working hard, kept his head down, made impacts coming off the bench, and finally really established himself. That is testament to his mentality, his determination, and to how much he loves playing for Bohs.

“With players like James Clarke, James McManus and Jonathan Afolabi, our age profile is good – there is a lot of growth and development from this young squad to come. And those kinds of players epitomise the potential we have to move the place forward in the coming years.”

TEAM NEWS

Bohemians have a full squad to choose from.

• Tomorrow’s game is being shown live on Virgin Media 2. The Members Bar at Dalymount Park is open for the game, with all pints €5.

Bohemian FC is delighted to have received major multi-year funding for our Pride on the Pitch project, providing an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ young people to play football, access mental health resources, and challenge discrimination in the football community.

The programme, funded by Rethink Ireland, aims to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 15 to 24, using football to enhance mental well-being and social connections.

‘Pride on the Pitch’ offers football training sessions led by trained coaches for 20 weeks annually. The focus is not only on physical activity but also on fostering a safe environment for participants to connect with peers who share similar experiences.

Recognising the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the initiative provides access to counselling services and support from a dedicated Mental Health Support Coordinator. This confidential assistance can be accessed both in person and remotely.

The programme also gathers data to refine its approach and develop a toolkit for broader adoption. By challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, ‘Pride on the Pitch’ aims to create a more accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community in football.

In partnership with ShoutOut, Bohemian FC has organised workshops for academy coaches, enhancing inclusivity understanding. The club’s history of positive change, including participation in Dublin Pride, underscores its commitment to progress.

With support from Rethink Ireland, the Zurich Foundation, and the HSE, Bohemian FC is driving positive societal change through Pride on the Pitch, using football to foster acceptance and unity.

Bohemian FC Football Social Responsibility (FSR) Manager James Flanagan said: “We are delighted to announce we are an awardee of the Rethink Ireland Headstart Fund.

“Our programme, Pride on the Pitch, aims to create an environment for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and succeed in participating in football and feeling more inclusive in their local community by sharing experiences with their peers.

“We are really looking forward to working with our Pride Committee and our partners ShoutOut on this programme and at the end deliver a toolkit nationally which can be shared for best practices in all codes and continue to leave legacy of what GayBohs started in 2016.”

Jim McElroy, from the Bohs Pride Committee, said: “The Bohs Pride Committee is delighted that Rethink Ireland has awarded funding over three years to the forthcoming Pride on the Pitch programme by Bohs FC.

“Football can be an unwelcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community and we know that many young LGBTQ+ people don’t access football or fall out of love with it over time.

“As well as addressing this issue of queer participation in football, and in sport more generally, Pride on the Pitch has the potential to be a good-practice template for other clubs and organisations to use in the future, and that’s something that we’re very excited about.”

Everybody at Dalymount Park and all within the Bohemian family wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and many friends of Joe Carr, a decades-long volunteer with our club, following his sad passing.

Stephen Burke writes:

Gentleman Joe.

Perhaps that’s where we should leave it, because that was our Joe, an absolute gentleman.

“The nicest man you could ever meet…” people only said that because it was true.

Jimmy O’Connor’s right-hand, whether it was the club’s Lotto and Football Forecast, the Half-Time Raffle, the Christmas Draw, and more. Result sheets, coupons, addressing envelopes, checking, counting, all the ‘glamorous’ behind-the-scenes work, it didn’t matter, Joe would be there, supporting, happy to help out.

A chat with Joe about Bohs, a bit of football history, his latest travels perhaps, whatever the topic, you were always the better after the conversation.

Friendly and cheerful, dependable, selfless, Joe’s list of good qualities was endless, and we hoped and prayed he was too.
But this sad day was coming. The loss of his programme collection due to a freak accident was a particularly hard blow, and the last year or two were tough ones for our dear friend.

We’ll miss him, oh how we’ll miss him, but we will remember him and smile every time we do at our good fortune of ever being in his company.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday August 25 2023, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV

Declan Devine says Bohemians’ recent form has earned his players the right to dine at the top table and he believes there is a real determination within the group that they want more.

Tomorrow, fourth-placed Bohs host third-placed Derry City at Dalymount Park.

The sides are level on 46 points, one off second-placed St Pat’s and five off league leaders Shamrock Rovers, but with the Candystripes ahead on goal difference and with a game in hand.

Bohs come into this game on the back of a professional 6-0 win, played in attrocious conditions, against Munster Senior League side Rockmount at Dalymount last week, which set up an FAI Cup quarter-final date away to Drogheda United next month.

The visitors, on the other hand, come into the game after two cruel penalty shootout defeats – first in the UEFA Conference League against Kazakh side Tobol Kostanay and then against St Pat’s in the FAI Cup.

Devine is aware of the threat that such a talented side who are hurting can pose, but says his focus in the run-up to this game has been all on Bohs.

He said: “Derry have had a tough week. They will have been extremely disappointed going out of two competitions in a week. They will be hurting, and we know what they are capable of. But at the same time, our focus is on us. We have to take care of our side of things.

“For us, it has been a real positive week in training in terms of our intensity and our quality. The players are fresh. We were able to rest a couple against Rockmount last week, which is important.

“Our recent form has earned our players the right to eat at the top table.

“We come into this game in really good form. We have five wins and two draws out of our last seven games, have scored 17 goals in our last six, 12 in our last four, and four clean sheets in our last five.

“So we are playing well, but we know that we are going to have to be at our very best when Derry come to Dalymount. Recent performances have given us the opportunity to go into the game with confidence and belief.

“Their performances over the course of the season have been at a very high level. Yes, we had a dip during the season but every other club has done the same at some point.

“You are only as good as your last game but our players have a tremendous belief and unity, and an understanding of the way we want to play. It is a very tight league this season, so with every performance, we have got to make sure we go for it.

“The way we have trained this week has probably been the highest level I’ve seen since I came to the club. The way they have trained this week sums the group up.

“They know that we have done well up to now, but I can feel it within this group that they want more. They want to have more unbelievable nights in Dalymount Park.

“Some of the atmospheres we have come off the pitch to, and the effort that the players have given the club, and the feeling of giving that effort and the praise they get from supporters afterwards – they are thriving off all of that and it is something they all want more of.

“They want to go out and spill blood, energy and commitment, and they want to maintain that relationship with the fans.

“Over the course of the last 10 games of this season, we want to build on that, and create memories that will last people a long time.

“But to do that, we have to realise that this is just another match, another game, and not think beyond that.

“A big rival is coming into our backyard, and we have to make sure we are at our very, very best and play with quality and energy right throughout the course of the game.”

There has been very little between Bohs and Devine’s former club this season. Bohs won 1-0 in the Brandywell in April, Derry did likewise at Dalymount in May, and the sides played out a 0-0 draw when they met on Foyleside in June.

Devine said: “We have played Derry three times, we’ve scored once past them, they’ve scored once past us and we both have four points from the three games.

“The turning point in the one game we have lost to them this season was going a man down after 14 minutes against them when we played them in Dalymount.

“No matter who you play, when you go down to 10 men so early, and concede so soon afterwards, it is going to be difficult. In saying that, we took the game to them despite being a man down.

“But this is a completely different ball game now at the business end of the season. This is the last phase of games when the prizes are at stake, and we cannot look past trying to get three points in this game.

“Whoever we play at Dalymount Park, we want to win. But to do that against Derry City, one of the top teams in the country, we know that we are going to have to go up the gears.

“We have to start the game really positively. But what we have been doing really well, right throughout the course of the season, has been finishing games strongly, with a lot of late goals, with players coming off the bench scoring and creating.

“I feel the latter stage of the game tomorrow is going to be key, so we have got to make sure we start the game with real vigour and energy while knowing that we have a bench capable of changing the game against anyone.”

TEAM NEWS

Everyone took a full part in training this week but this game might come too early for Dean Williams as he is eased back from his ankle injury.

• There are currently a handful of Des Kelly Stand tickets remaining for this game, which can be purchased at tickets.bohemians.ie

SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Saturday August 19 2023, PLR Park, 7.35pm
Beo ar TG4/Live on TG4

The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division makes its long-awaited return this weekend after the summer break and Bohemians are delighted to confirm the signings of Katie Malone and Rachel McGrath ahead of tomorrow’s game away to Peamount United.

Welcoming Rachel and Katie to Dalymount Park, manager Pat Trehy said:

“We are delighted to get them on board. We feel we have great competition for places right across the squad now and after such a long break everyone is really looking forward to getting back playing again.

“Katie joins after three years with DLR. She is a very talented forward. She is very quick, she’s sharp, and she knows where the goal is.

“Rachel is again a very talented right-sided winger. She brings real quality to the club, and is another great addition to the squad as we look to build on the run of form we have had and finish the season strongly.”

The extended summer break came as all eyes turned to Ireland’s historic first appearance at the Women’s World Cup perhaps came at the wrong time for Bohs.

A brilliant run of form saw Bohs unbeaten in seven games going into the break, in fourth place on 28 points, just two points off both Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in third and second, and six off league leaders Peamount, who they travel to face tomorrow evening’s game, which is being shown live on TG4.

Trehy said: “Sometimes summer breaks are useful in terms of getting players back fit from injury, and we are delighted that has been the case with Katie Burdis now back in contention to play again.

“It has been an exciting time for women’s football but we were on a great run of form before the break, unbeaten in seven games and in contention where we want the club to be at the top end of the table.

“Away to the league leaders is as difficult a first game back as we could get but we want to test ourselves against the very best.

“It’s live on TG4 and we are going there with the intention of building on the momentum that we had before the summer break.

“We all want to push on and finish as high up the table as we possibly can. We have seven games left in the league and we want to get as many points on the board between now and the end of the season.”

General admission to PRL Park tomorrow is  €10, and all kids go free. Fans can pay at the gate, and contactless payment is available.

Meanwhile, tickets to next Sunday’s (August 27) Sports Direct FAI Women’s Cup away to Cabinteely in the Carlisle Grounds can now be purchased online at https://cabinteelyfc.ie/senior-ladies-fai-cup/.

Bohemians are delighted to have trialled Field of Vision, a new technology that enhances match experience for visually impaired supporters by allowing them to feel where the ball is on the pitch at all times.

It works by cameras tracking the ball on the pitch, and then relaying a message to each handheld tablet in real-time. They can also feel every tackle, pass, shot and goal.

The fan places their finger on a magnetic ring on the tablet, which moves automatically as to where the ball is on the pitch. Vibrations inform the fan about tackles, passes, shots and goals.

This will vastly improve the match experience for our visually impaired fans, and works well in tandem with our Audio Described Commentary, which is provided at every men’s and women’s home match.

Bohs fan Eammon Gallagher said: “Field of vision was an amazing experience and it really brought the game to life. That combined with ADC commentary, you don’t miss a moment of the game.”

Bohs fan Declan Meenagh said: “I really enjoyed Field of Vision. While the volunteers do a great job with commentary, being able to actually feel where the ball is and where it is going really adds an extra dimension to the game. The goals mean more and you know faster what happened. It just adds something to the experience of enjoying live football in Dalymount.”

Club Access Officer Irvine Ferris said: “A massive congratulations to Omar, David and Tim on developing an amazing technology that’ll greatly enhance the match experience for visually impaired fans.

“We’re delighted to have trialled Field of Vision and hopefully we can work again together going forward. A big thanks to our fans on the night who trialled Field of Vision; Anto Clarke, Declan Meenagh and Eamonn Gallagher.”

Bohs have been working with Field of Vision the last couple of seasons, and this is the first time a League of Ireland club has used this technology.

Omar Salem, from Field of Vision, said: “Bohemians were the very first club to show interest in what FOV was developing, when we started out a few years ago.

“They have been very supportive of our mission to make sports attendance more inclusive since. It was fantastic to finally bring the experience to their fans at a live match.”

For more information on Field of Vision visit https://www.fov.ie/, https://www.instagram.com/field0fvision/ on Instagram or https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-o-v/?originalSubdomain=ie on Linkedin.

Sports Direct FAI Men’s Cup Second Round
Friday August 18 2023, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Tickets: tickets.bohemians.ie

Declan Devine says Bohemians must maintain recent performance levels to progress in the Sports Direct FAI Men’s Cup against Rockmount tomorrow.

Bohs’ entertaining 0-0 draw away to St Patrick’s Athletic in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division last week extended their unbeaten run to six games.

But Devine says his side can take nothing for granted and need to be mentally prepared for a tough game against Munster Senior League side Rockmount.

A 1-0 win over Shelbourne in the first round avenged last year’s embarrassing exit from the same competition against the same opposition, and now a place in the quarter-finals awaits the winners of tomorrow’s tie.

Devine said: “I am expecting us to be right at it from the very start. It is a game that we have prepared for really intensely all week.

“We spoke after last week’s game against St Pat’s that it was our sole focus all week – analysing our opposition as we always do and making sure our mental preparation is at the highest level.

“I don’t expect anything less from this group of players. There is serious competition for players, and we have a strong squad.

“I expect the players who take to the pitch to give everything of themselves. Having seen Rockmount at close hand last week, I understand the reason why they have won two junior cups, and I understand why they are the best team in Munster.

“We have got to prepare in the very same way we do for every game, and we have got to make sure we play to our highest level. We will have a very strong starting XI and a very strong bench if we need to change things up.”

Last week’s game at Richmond Park could have gone either way in a surprisingly end-to-end game considering both teams were kept scoreless.

A draw was perhaps the fairest outcome, and Devine was pleased with the bravery and quality of his side’s attacking performance, particularly in the second half.

He said: “We were the width of the crossbar away from getting a winner, and Adam Murphy threw his body on the line to block a Jordan Flores shot, and John had a chance in the last couple of minutes.

“So we had good chances in the game but we also gave them two or three opportunities – James Talbot had to pull off a great save.

“We’ve gone to Inchicore and have taken four points, we have gone to the Brandywell and have taken four points. These are difficult venues, and performances like that are what is required between now and the end of the season.

“Our performance levels were very high, we were very brave away from home against a really good team. We had a lot of quality. All those attributes will be needed to get us through to the next round of the cup.”

Tomorrow’s game comes one year and one day on from the tragic passing of much-loved and much-missed club volunteer and staff member Derek Monaghan, known to all as Mono.

Mono’s life was cut short before Devine’s arrival as first-team manager, but he is acutely aware of the void his loss has left at the club, and the high esteem in which he was held.

Devine added: “His name is brought up by players and staff on a weekly basis, you can see how highly regarded he was by everyone at the club and how much everyone misses him. His legacy here will live on.

“The legacy that he has left behind, and the fond memories and stories that everyone here has of him, is a testament to the man he was, and the family man he was, and the loving care that he gave to the club and everyone in it. People like Mono are what makes Bohs the special club it is.

“Obviously now we see the stand named in his honour, and having Bohs supporters in there against Rockmount will be very pleasing for all the players and staff who loved Mono, but also for his family and everyone connected to him and to the club. I hope they pack it out.

“He will be very much in our players’ thoughts when they take to the pitch. His name is on our jerseys for a reason, and hopefully come a quarter-to-ten tomorrow night, we will have done right by him.”

TEAM NEWS

Bohemians have a full squad to choose from, with Dean Williams returning to full training this week.