Born in the late 19th century, Bohemian FC is one of the oldest and most successful Irish clubs still standing. Having won the Irish League (later League of Ireland) a total of 11 times and the FAI Cup 7 times, the Bohs, as they are called, represent the working-class north of the River Liffey, which divides Dublin into two almost-perfect halves. Owned 100% by members, the Bohs stand proud defying modern football standards and hope to return to the top of Irish football soon and to see their picturesque Dalymount Park full of fans again. Born in the early 1980s, Rob, 32, is a musician and DJ from Dublin. He skillfully combines gigs around the world with his passion for the Bohs, attending Dalymount Park whenever possible. He explains his volunteering in the club, the first matches he went to, the recent European adventures of the club, and the future of football in the Republic.
Q: Have you ever been to the Bohemians vs Shamrock Derby. If so, what's the atmosphere like?
A: Dozens. Each one in Dalymount Park, I've yet to set foot in Tallaght Stadium believe it or not. But they are a highly anticipated fixture in the calendar. Tensions are very high both on and off the pitch. Some of the best Friday nights out have been at that fixture.
Q: Do you guys support all Irish teams participating in European competitions? I assume you don't, but it happens in some countries.
A: I couldn't picture any Bohs fans hoping Shamrock Rovers do well in any competition. But I had my eye on Dundalk when they were in the Europa League group stage last year. They finished bottom and most would have predicted but I was happy to see them score a few goals against Arsenal as, at the end of the day, it's good for the league.
Q: What is the most rewarding and the most unrewarding thing about being a Bohemians fan?
A: The most rewarding thing is watching the club grow over the past decade or more. A number of years ago the club, I believe, were in danger of losing their stadium and were in severe financial difficulty. And it took the work of a dude I know called Daniel Lambert (who is now the club's Chief Operating Officer), to do incredible work in making Bohemians stable and increasing their popularity. He, along with many other volunteers, made the club what it is today. Prior to COVID putting a stop to fans coming into Dalymount, many matches were sold out. I remember 7/8 years ago being at a match against I think St Pats and there were probably 600 people there give-or-take. So watching the club grow is a rewarding thing. It's a fan-owned, fan-run club, so it's great.
The least rewarding are some results that have occurred, but that's football!
Q: Did you ever get to DJ at a match?
A: I've played numerous gigs in the bar in Dalymount after the match over the years. I haven't done this in a while. But I have played gigs where it's just me and an acoustic guitar banging out Stone Roses songs. I did it mostly to make as much money for the bar as possible. One time I had my friend and musician Alan Marshall accompany me for one of these gigs after a derby match against Shamrock Rovers. Bohs lost I think 3-1, but I was told that after the gig, it was the biggest take the bar had ever made. So that felt good. I DJ'd once I think, but I don't remember much of it. Possibly due to the amount of Heineken in me.
Q: What are your predictions for the National Team? Can we expect to see you guys back in a World Cup soon? Can Qatar be "redemption" for an Irish team that performed exceptionally well in the late 1980s, early 1990s?
A: Results-wise, things have been appalling for a while. I believe November 2019 is the last time we won a match, which is the worst it's ever been. That said, our manager (and former Bohs manager) Stephen Kenny is trying to get the lads to play some decent football. I just don't think we have the players who can do it just yet. But we do have some exciting and talented players coming through now such as Aaron Connolly (Brighton), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Jack Byrne (APOEL), Dara O'Shea (West Brom), so I like to think that in 4 or 5 years we'll be in a far better position than we are now. As for the Qatar World Cup, I don't believe we will qualify, but I personally have a problem with the World Cup being held there for various reasons.
Q: What does football mean for an "average" Irish person? Is it a way of living, a weekend entertainment? Do you guys travel a lot for away matches?
A: It's not like how it is in Argentina. No, football isn't the most popular sport in Ireland. We compete with Gaelic football and hurling and possibly rugby too. That said, it an immensely popular sport all the same. For the national team, we get significant support in away matches. Such as the scenes during Euros 2012 and 2016. We literally took over the cities and stadiums we were in. As for domestic football, obviously, those numbers are far smaller, however, there are many who eat, live, and breathe for Friday nights to come around.
Q: Do you and your mates have any pre-match "rituals"?
A: I don't have any. I just go to Dalymount when I can - I usually have gigs here or abroad for many weekends of the year. Bohemians typically represent the northside of Dublin City, Shamrock Rovers the southside. I'm from the southside, so getting over to the other side of the city for a match is my only ritual.
Q: Could you describe the "Republic of Ireland" with one word, "Football" with one word, and "Bohemian FC" with one word for me, please?
A: Republic of Ireland: Loyalty and Bohemians: Community
Q: What is your first memory related to Bohemian FC?
A: In Ireland, the League Of Ireland (LOI) is fighting a big battle. It gets little media coverage and is considered inferior to the likes of the Premier League and Scottish Premiership which dominates the majority of media in Ireland when it comes to the beautiful game. It wasn't something I was born into or had many friends going to, so I happened to stumble upon seeing Bohemian FC (Bohs) around the time Roddy Collins was manager when they won the league and cup double. A friend of mine who supported Shelbourne brought me to see Shels vs. Bohs in Tolka Park around that time. So it was from there that I started my admiration for the mighty Bohs.
Q: Do you remember your first match at Dalymount Park?
A: I recall being there for the first time around 2001 or 2002 and being in the Jodi Stand, I have no recollection who it was against, I think possibly St. Patrick's Athletic. But it was great. For many years, when I was an unemployed musician, I was a steward at Dalymount. I got paid very little, but it was my way of seeing matches for free.
Q: Do you have a "favourite" memory regarding Bohemians?
A: Off the top of my head, the 4-0 win over bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers in 2012 stands out immediately. Even though there were probably 2,000 on the ground, the atmosphere was incredible. You would think you're among 50,000 people because the noise was so loud. Incredible day.
Q: How do you feel about Bohemian's recent European adventures in the Europa League? Do you feel a team like yours ought to be getting to the 3rd qualifying round, at least?
A: Any trip to a European competition is always welcome and obviously you want to go as far as possible. I was watching last year's Europa League 1st round qualifier against Féhérvar in Hungary, as Bohs has arranged a pay-per-view live stream for fans and they had huge numbers tuning in. To get to the group stage of a major competition like that, as Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers have achieved in recent years, would be a phenomenal thing for the club and fans alike.