Bohemian F.C.
Dublin's oldest football club, ever-present in the top division.
Bohemian Football Club, commonly referred to as Bohemians or Bohs, is an Irish professional association football club based in Dublin. Founded on 6 September 1890, they are one of the founding members of the League of Ireland and the only club to have been ever-present in the top division since its inception. Bohemians are known for their red and black colours, their home ground at Dalymount Park, and a history that includes 11 League of Ireland titles, seven FAI Cups, and a record 33 Leinster Senior Cup wins.
Quick Facts
- Clubname
- Bohemian Football Club
- Nickname
- The Gypsies · Dublin's Originals
- Shortname
- Bohemians · Bohs
- Founded
- 6 September 1890
- Ground
- Dalymount Park
- Capacity
- 4,500
- Chrtitle
- Owner
- Chairman
- Fan owned
- Mgrtitle
- Manager
- Manager
- Alan Reynolds
- League
- League of Ireland Premier Division
- Season
- 2025
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Bohemians were founded at the Phoenix Park's North Circular Gate Lodge by students from Bells Academy, the Royal Hibernian Military School, medical students, and others. They initially played at the Polo Grounds in Phoenix Park before moving to Jones Road in 1893 and then to Dalymount Park in 1901. The club adopted red and black as their colours in 1894, having previously worn white shirts with two red stripes. They joined the Irish Football League in 1902 and won the Irish Cup in 1908 before becoming a founding member of the League of Ireland in 1921.
After early success—two league titles (1923–24 and 1927–28), two FAI Cups, and four Shields in the first 15 years—the club struggled for 34 seasons without a major trophy due to its strict amateur status. In 1969, Bohemians dropped amateurism, and the first professional signing was Tony O'Connell on 11 March 1969. This led to a resurgence in the 1970s, winning two league titles, two FAI Cups, and two League Cups. Further decline followed until the club claimed League and Cup doubles in 2001 and 2008, along with league titles in 2003 and 2009.
Bohemians are owned 100% by their members. Their supporters refer to the club as Bohs, The Gypsies, and Dublin's Originals. They share a bitter rivalry with southside club Shamrock Rovers. Since the 2010s, the club has adopted a left-wing political culture.
Reader's Guide
Bohemian F.C. holds a unique place in Irish football history as one of only two clubs to have been members of the League of Ireland since its founding in 1921 and the only club to have never been relegated from the top division. Their early dominance in the 1920s and 1930s established them as a major force, but their long adherence to amateurism caused a 34-year trophy drought. The shift to professionalism in 1969 revived the club, leading to a trophy-laden 1970s. Bohemians are the only club to have won all four domestic trophy doubles available in Irish football: League and FAI Cup, League and Shield, League and Dublin City Cup, and League and League Cup. Their record 33 Leinster Senior Cup wins further underscore their historical significance. Off the pitch, the club's near-sale of Dalymount Park in the 2000s and subsequent legal disputes over the Tramway End highlight the financial challenges faced by member-owned clubs. The adoption of left-wing political culture since the 2010s marks a distinctive modern identity. Bohemians' legacy is one of resilience, tradition, and a deep connection to their north Dublin community.
Did You Know?
- Bohemians were founded on 6 September 1890 at the Phoenix Park's North Circular Gate Lodge.
- The club went 34 seasons without winning a major trophy due to its strict amateur status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bohemian F.C.?
Bohemian F.C., widely known as Bohemians or simply Bohs, is a Dublin-based professional football club established on 6 September 1890. They compete in the League of Ireland and are recognised as the city's oldest surviving football club.
What makes Bohemian F.C. unique in Irish football?
Bohs hold the distinction of being the only side in League of Ireland history to have featured in the top flight every single season since the competition began. They are also the sole club to have completed all four domestic trophy doubles.
Where do Bohemians play their home matches?
The club calls Dalymount Park in Phibsborough, Dublin, their home ground. The venue has been their long-standing base and is a well-known fixture in the city's sporting landscape.
Why is Bohemian F.C. important to Irish football history?
As a founding member of the League of Ireland, Bohs have been a constant thread through more than a century of the competition. They also maintained a strict amateur policy until 1969, a stance that shaped the early character of Irish professional football, and in more recent years have cultivated a noted left-wing political identity among their supporter base.
What major trophies has Bohemian F.C. won?
Bohs have collected 11 League of Ireland titles, seven FAI Cups, and a record 33 Leinster Senior Cups over their long history. This haul makes them the fourth-most decorated club in the league's history.
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