Bohemian FC wishes to express our gratitude to three of our most long-serving players in recent years – Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall and Keith Ward – as their current spells with the club come to an end.

Between them, the trio amassed 636 first-team appearances for Bohemians in all competitions.

Outgoing club captain Buckley, who is emigrating to Australia, initially joined Bohs in 2010 from Belvedere. His breakthrough came in 2011 in a time of great uncertainty for the club when, despite being on amateur terms, he quickly established himself as a key player in the team, memorably scoring in his first-ever derby against Shamrock Rovers as an 18-year-old.

Aside from one season with Bray Wanderers, Bucko was a mainstay in several Bohs teams thereafter, amassing 273 starts, 45 substitute appearances and 19 goals for the club in all competitions.

Never one for the limelight but always leading by example, he succeeded Derek Pender as club captain ahead of the 2020 season as Bohs competed in European competition for the first time in eight years.

But perhaps his best performances in red and black came when he led the team’s memorable European run this season where his displays at both the Aviva Stadium and abroad saw him finally get some of the plaudits and recognition he deserved.

Bucko said: “Thanks to everyone at the club from the bottom to the top who have helped the club over the past 10 years grow and regenerate itself. Without those people, it doesn’t happen.

“It was always an honour wearing the badge with pride, and I hope that I helped leave the club in a better place than when I first walked into it.

“Goodbye, for now.”

After five seasons at Dalymount Park, where he made 125 starts, seven substitute appearances and scored five goals, outgoing vice-captain Cornwall has emigrated to the United States, where he has signed for Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

Cornwall said: “Thanks to everyone involved with the club; fans, staff and players.

“I enjoyed every minute of it, and I hope I’ve left the jersey in a better place.”

Another fans’ favourite, Ward is also moving on after five years’ service in his current spell, having originally played for the club in 2012. In total, Wardy made 128 starts, 58 substitute appearances and scored 17 goals.

Ward said: “I’ll really miss playing under the lights at Dalymount. I want to give a big thanks to all the players, staff, volunteers behind the scenes and, most importantly, the fans who have supported me and the team during an amazing six seasons.

“Thanks for having my back – Dublin will always be red and black.”

From Keith Long and his backroom team, the board of management, membership and everyone at Bohemians, we thank Bucko, Rob and Wardy for their many years’ dedicated service and the positive contribution they have all made to our club, both on and off the pitch.

You will always be welcome back at Dalymount Park.

Bohemians are delighted to confirm the signing of Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe on a multi-year deal.

The forward, 27, arrives from Dundalk. He spent the second half of last season on loan with Derry City having previously impressed in his first spell with the Candystripes in 2019 and with Sligo Rovers in 2020.

He is the first new arrival at Dalymount Park ahead of the 2022 season, while so far 11 of the 2021 squad have re-signed for next year.

Bohemians are pleased to confirm that 11 of this season’s squad have been re-signed for 2022 so far.

They are: Liam Burt, Ali Coote, Dawson Devoy, Rory Feely, James Finnerty, Ciarán Kelly, Conor Levingston, Stephen Mallon, Jamie Mullins, James Talbot and Tyreke Wilson.

Among them, 20-year-old midfielder Devoy represents one of the country’s finest young talents, which was recognised last night when he scooped the PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year Award.

It was the third season in a row Bohs won that award, while Dawson’s team-mate Georgie Kelly won the main individual prize on offer, the PFA Ireland Player of the Year Award, the first time a Bohemians player has done so since Glen Crowe in 2003.

Reflecting on a breakthrough season where he starred in Europe, winning the July SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for his efforts as well as making his debut for the Ireland U21s, Devoy said: “It was a good season for me personally and I am looking forward to building on it next season.

“Last night it was nice to be noticed by the players you play against and get that recognition from them.

“But next year we want to push on as a team too. It was bitterly disappointing not to qualify for Europe this year, and losing the FAI Cup final was tough for the team and everyone involved at the club.

“We want to be better than that. That will be the aim next year I am sure, as well as getting the club back into Europe.

“We know there will be changes to the squad next season. But with 11 players signed back already, we have a strong core there to build on.

“I am sure Keith Long will add quality to the squad over the next month or so over the closed season as well, as he always does.”

37,126 attended Sunday’s game in what was a record-breaking attendance for an FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium, and the highest attendance for any FAI Cup final since 1968. This represents a remarkable step forward for Irish football.

Bohemians had a crowd of circa 18,000 behind our team. This was an unprecedented figure for our club, and both sets of supporters contributed to one of the most electric atmospheres seen at any domestic fixture.

It is therefore all the more deeply regrettable that the deplorable actions of a tiny minority before the game would take away from that, and tarnish such an occasion between two clubs who have had such an excellent relationship for many years.

We condemn the behaviour of this minority unconditionally. Such behaviour has no place in our club.

Gardaí are investigating and we will be banning anyone identifiable in footage of the incident.

As a 100% fan-owned club, our volunteers have worked tirelessly to be a force of good in our communities on many fronts.

We want to assure our members and supporters that we will not allow the actions of this minority detract from that continued aim.

SSE Airtricity League
Friday November 19 2021
The Showgrounds, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV

Keith Long has urged the expected large travelling support at the Showgrounds to do their bit to help his Bohemians side finish the league season on a high.

A victory would ensure a fourth-placed finish and European qualification for Bohs but having lost 4-0 the last time these sides met under the shadows of Ben Bulben in June, Long’s men will have their work cut out for them.

Level on points with Derry City but with a far greater goal difference, finishing fourth is firmly in Bohemians’ hands but they do not want to be relying on Dundalk doing them a favour against the Candystripes.

Long said: “It’s our final league game of the season and a very important game in terms of trying to finish in a European position through the league.

“We know what we have to do, the boys have prepared well, and are fully focused on putting in a good performance.

“It’s a big challenge. Sligo are a very good side and the Showgrounds is always a tough place to go.

“Hopefully we will have a large travelling Bohs support to help us over the 90+ minutes, and hopefully we can send our supporters home happy at the end of the night.”

TEAM NEWS

Andy Lyons, Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy return from international duty with the Ireland U21s, while Rory Feely returns from suspension.

Ali Coote is suspended, while Georgie Kelly (calf) remains out.

The FAI has today opened applications for discounted tickets for school groups and clubs for the Extra.ie FAI Cup final.

The game between Bohemian FC and St Patrick’s Athletic FC takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 28th November at 4pm.

The closing date for applications through this initiative is Monday 22nd November at 12pm.

We would love to see as many young supporters as possible behind Bohs on the day, so we urge all parents, teachers and those involved in underage football to get behind this initiative, and to bring it to the attention of others.

The offer is open for children up to the age of 16 – €5 per ticket, and two free adult tickets for every 10 kids tickets booked.

Link to apply: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=J4TEMnpsjU-111CSOsx7tzzo-JlPTKBKrqgIO1ogseNURE9ZOVZBWElTR09DNFlaM1pZR0ZWUks3WS4u

SSE Airtricity League
Friday November 12 2021
Dalymount Park, 7,45pm
Exclusively live on LOITV
Audio described commentary: access4all.bohemians.ie

With both the Jodi Stand and Des Kelly Stand packed out with Bohemians fans tonight, Keith Long hopes the Dalymount Roar can spur his side on to victory as they aim to remain in fourth place.

Long said: “With two games remaining, it is all to play for and we will be doing our very best to remain in fourth place.

“It is also our last home game of the season and I would like to thank our supporters all for all their brilliant support throughout the campaign.

“Our form in the league has been frustrating at times but one thing that has been consistent is our fans’ unwavering support for the team and their club.

“We will need that support in Dalymount one last time tonight, and again in Sligo next week to help us.”

Bohs took advantage of Derry City dropping points against Finn Harps as Sunday’s 2-1 win over Drogheda United to finally leapfrog the Candystripes.

Long said: “That was a hard-fought win, which moved us into fourth place in the table.”

Maintaining that position will be easier said than done. But Bohs have shown this season that they are capable of putting it up to tonight’s visitors.

Long said: “This game is huge for us in terms of trying to secure a European place through the league.

“Shamrock Rovers have consistently been the best team this season and they are deserving champions.

“Stephen has produced back to back titles for his club and along with his players and staff deserve great credit for their achievements.”

TEAM NEWS

Andy Lyons, Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney are unavailable as they are with the Ireland U21s.

Rory Feely is suspended, Georgie Kelly (calf) remains out, while James Talbot (groin) is a doubt.

Stephen Mallon (hip) is available for selection.

Gavin O’Brien, Seán Grehan, James McManus and Aaron Doran are promoted to the first-team squad from the Bohemians U19s.

Dear supporter,

We ask you to read below in its entirety ahead of tonight’s game.

After a very difficult two years for everyone, tonight sees the most Bohemians fans together as one at Dalymount Park for many a year.

It is our final home game of 2021 and there is a duty on all attending to ensure that the game passes off without incident, and that we all get behind Keith Long and his team in the right way, as we look to finish the league season on a high.

The unrivalled atmosphere from our supporters at derby games – and the famous Dalymount Roar – are parts of the club we are all rightly proud of.

However, there are also certain lines that should not – and cannot – be crossed in creating an electric Dublin derby atmosphere that is also welcoming for all fellow Bohemians.

We are a members-owned club. We have made a concerted effort to ensure that tickets to this game made their way into the hands of our regulars and their friends.

Therefore there is a collective responsibility on us all to ensure the safety of one another and that our actions do not invite further scrutiny or sanctions that this fixture has attracted in recent times.

We want to hear the Dalymount Roar in full voice from the first minute to the last – from both the Jodi Stand and Des Kelly Stand – and, collectively, let us all contribute to getting the result we are all hoping for.

Thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy the game.

Bohemian FC Board of Management

Please note the following restrictions and points of information:

Block A closed: As a result of fan behaviour in this fixture previously, Block A of the Jodi Stand is closed tonight by order of the FAI.

Block B – LOI underage teams and family section: Our underage League of Ireland boys and girls teams will be sitting in Block B. We request that supporters leave remaining seating in this block to families with children. Blocks E, F and G are intended as singing sections.

Dalymount is a place of inclusion – no misogynistic, homophobic, sectarian or racist abuse can be tolerated: Some of the deeply personal and highly offensive chanting that took place the last time these sides met at Dalymount is well documented. A repeat cannot be tolerated. It disgusted every right-minded person, including our own players and the overwhelming majority of supporters. We have seen a welcome diversification of our support base in recent years. Everyone has the right to attend our games without feeling intimidated, insulted, or lesser. It is imperative to us as a club that all girls and their families feel welcome and comfortable attending games at Dalymount Park. Any abuse or chanting that is deemed misogynistic or sexist simply cannot be tolerated, and that also applies to abuse that is racist, sectarian, xenophobic or homophobic.

Additional CCTV installed: Please note that as a result of incidents that have occured at games this season, we have installed additional CCTV cameras in the Jodi Stand for the protection of supporters. These will be monitored throughout the game.

Pitch invasions and missile throwing: The additional CCTV cameras will catch anyone who encroaches onto the playing surface or who throws missiles. Anyone caught and identified will be banned and could face prosecution.

Standing in stairwells/aisles: We are under strong pressure from the Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade to clear the stairwells, particularly between blocks F and G. Crowding on the stairwells poses a very serious health and safety risk, particularly if there is a surge. Please do not occupy the aisles/stairwells; please remain in seated areas where you can remain standing if you so wish.

Make space for one another: More often than not when it appears the stand is full, there are many individual unoccupied seats across the stand. Move up! And when it is close to kick-off and it looks like the place is filling up, please assist fellow supporters in finding a vacant seat.

Counterfeit and duplicated tickets: All tickets have a unique barcode that will only scan once. If your ticket barcode shows up on our scanners as having already been scanned, we cannot allow you into the game. It is as simple as that.

Bars: Our bars are closed to the general public with the exception of those who pre-booked spaces in the Members’ Bar.

Fire/Emergency evacuation: In the event of a fire or other incident in the Jodi Stand all supporters should please move down the aisles and on to the pitch and follow the instructions of stewards and Gardaí. In the event of a fire or other incident in the Des Kelly Stand, supporters should exit through the appropriate gate, either into the adjacent car park, or via the Jodi Stand, and follow the instructions of stewards and Gardaí.

Arrive early to avoid congestion: Turnstiles open 6.30pm. Please arrive early to avoid congestion and to make kick-off in good time. We advise arriving at Dalymount not later than 7.20pm.

SSE Airtricity League
Sunday November 7 2021
Dalymount Park, 5pm
Match tickets: tickets.bohemians.ie
Exclusively live on LOITV

The battle for fourth is between four teams but Bohemians once again have the opportunity to move into pole position if they win against Drogheda United this evening.

Keith Long’s men failed to capitalise twice in recent weeks to leapfrog Derry City into fourth but will be hoping for third time lucky against Drogs at Dalymount.

But that will be easier said than done against Tim Clancy’s men who have beaten and drawn with Bohs this season; the Gypsies winning 5-0 when the sides last met in Dalymount in July the outlier of those three performances.

Long said: “Drogheda have had a fine season upon their return to the Premier Division and are more than a match for any team.

“Our respective league positions shows how tight it has been between the two teams this year and the points have been shared to date in the three previous encounters.

“Tonight we will be looking to make home advantage count and get back to winning ways in the league.”

Bohs come into the game after a mixed couple of weeks. Winning the FAI Cup semi-final against Waterford was an unbelievable high, but they came crashing down to earth with defeat against the same opposition in the league three days later.

That was followed by the concession a poor injury-time equaliser after an otherwise impressive performance against Derry City in the Brandywell.

Against St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday, Bohs were extremely fortunate to be only 2-0 down, but battled back to draw 2-2 and had plenty of opportunities to go on and win it too.

Long said: “Tonight we will be looking to build on the second half performance in Inchicore and tidy up on some of the costly errors. If we can do that we give ourselves every chance.

“Our recent form has been very mixed and we have been our own worst enemy at times with some of the goals we have conceded as a team.

“The basics of the game need to be done brilliantly every time and that’s not something we can say we have done consistently this season. It has been frustrating for us all but we have to continue to work hard in our attempts to improve.

“This group of players are very much together and although they may disappoint at times they never stop trying and will always give it their best.

“They have not been helped with the volume of games they have been exposed to with very little time for recovery and preparation. I am conscious that my words can be perceived as excuses but I can only offer an insight into my thoughts.

“It has been extremely trying to play games every three days. Monday against St Pat’s was our sixth game in 18 days, which is the second time we have had to do that this season. We have played 10 games Monday/Friday weekends, five of which were originally scheduled.

“This is not a sustainable workload for any group of players and we have suffered in my view as a club for developing young players and the lack of vision regarding our fixture calendar.

“I am not suggesting that this is the sole reason why we find ourselves in the position that we are in – we have lost or drawn too many games this year – but it certainly hasn’t helped at a defining time of the season.

“As a backroom team we have made the decision, for the welfare of the players and the greater good of the squad, to play our game against Shamrock Rovers this Friday without the players who are away with the Ireland U21 squad.

“We felt we had no other choice considering the alternative was to play our games on Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th of November, which would have seen us play eight games in 24 days, and then nothing until the 19th of November.

“This was just not feasible in our view, and it would be completely wreckless on our part had we agreed. By doing this, we at least have a better chance and more days to recover and prepare for tonight’s game, and likewise for the Rovers game on Friday.

“Drogheda find themselves in a situation quite similar to us but this situation was utterly avoidable from the outset as it was raised as a concern last season but was never acted upon.

“Managers and coaches are key stakeholders in the game but are very often overlooked when it comes to conversations directly relating to football.

“I am sure the issue will be addressed next season but for us as a club it is disappointing that with so much at stake we find ourselves in this position.”

TEAM NEWS

Andy Lyons (illness) is a doubt, while Georgie Kelly (calf) and Stephen Mallon (hip) remain out.

Membership 2022 is now available for both renewals and new applicants. You can sign up at join.bohemians.ie.

Members are, collectively, the club’s owners. We are responsible for its present, its future and to build on its famous past.

Bohemian Football Club remains one of very few clubs in the world playing top-tier football with well over a century of 100% fan ownership.

We strongly urge those renewing, and anyone looking to sign up for the first time, to purchase their membership as early as possible, with a view to improving the playing budget for 2022. Increased membership numbers can help greatly in this regard.

2022 will mark the 14th consecutive year of our membership prices remaining at the same rate – this is to acknowledge the amazing support of our fanbase during Covid times.

2022 will also see a return, as was the case pre-Covid, to members having first call on things such as tickets to away games when allocations are limited.

The price categories for membership are as follows:

• Full Membership €365
• Family Membership €585 (2 adults, 2 U18s)
• Student Membership €210
• Associate Membership €90 (Associate members must be U18 child of, a sibling of, or a spouse/partner of a full member)
• Senior Membership €80 (Senior membership is only open to members over 65 who already have 10 years’ service)

The online process is slightly longer for membership this year.

The reason for this is to collate all members’ information accurately; ensuring that all receive appropriate correspondence, by mail or e-mail, in a timely manner.

If you are purchasing more than one membership, you are now required to fill out the personal information for each member. This is to allow for all to receive necessary club email updates, links to ticket sales, postal updates etc.

We would strongly urge members to take out membership through the portal on our website, join.bohemians.ie.

Renewing or signing up for membership at that link greatly cuts down on admin work for club staff and volunteers.

However, cash payments can be taken through the club’s new office in the Phibsborough Shopping Centre between 9am-5pm/Monday-Friday.

For anyone looking to pay their membership through standing order, you can use the form here or deal directly with your bank online, and then send an email to tickets@bohemians.ie showing proof that your standing order has been set up with your bank i.e. screenshot/bank receipt.

Your membership will only be issued once this proof has been received.

Over a 12-month period, standing order rates are as follows:

Adults €31pm, Students €18pm, Family €49

Failure to maintain payments will result in suspension or cancellation of your membership.

Student memberships must also be validated by sending a copy of your 2021/2022 student ID to tickets@bohemians.ie. Your membership will only be issued once this proof has been received.

Season tickets and Junior Gypsies will go on sale for those renewing on November 15th, with new sales being released on November 29th for both categories – depending on available capacity.

The club will endeavour to have all products purchased by December 10th with you in time for Christmas.

For members currently paying their subs by standing order, we will wait for the first 2022 payment in January and you will then be verified as having renewed for next year.

For those signing up for membership for the first time who wish to pay by standing order, you must complete and return this form to the club.

For any queries, please contact jimmy@bohemians.ie.