Bohemian Football Club, in collaboration with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has announced the release of its third-choice kit for 2024.
The kit, which was worn for the first time at a recent match against Dundalk FC, is in support of ICTU’s Better in a Trade Union campaign, which promotes the values and benefits of trade union membership.
The kit launch was ahead of Ireland’s first Trade Union Week, which began on Monday, April 29th, and runs until May Day, Monday, May 6th.
Promoting the shared values of Bohemian FC and the trade union movement, the iconic Liberty Hall, home of SIPTU, is at the forefront of the body of the jersey, alongside the Better in a Trade Union campaign message.
The jersey also features trade union leader James Connolly’s famous quote: “Our demands most moderate are - we only want the earth.”
An embroidered hem tag on the lower front of the jersey features famous trade union banner maker Jer O’Leary’s red and black version of the Starry Plough flag, which he made for his son Diarmuid to bring to Bohemians games in the 1990s.
The original design of the Starry Plough first appeared on the flag of the Irish Citizen Army in 1914, and Jer was among those who re-popularised its design in the 1960s.
Speaking on the launch of the ‘Better in a Trade Union’ strip, ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy said:
This collaboration is a great example of the solidarity and shared values which are at the heart of the Better in a Trade Union campaign. Bohemian FC has always been a voice and driving force for their fans and wider community, in the same way that trade unions stand up for workers. The Better in a Trade Union campaign is all about putting a spotlight on the benefits of trade union membership – better job security, better terms and conditions, better pay – and what better spotlight than under the floodlights at Oriel Park just as we head into our first Trade Union Week!
Daniel Lambert, Bohemian FC COO said,
We are delighted to unveil this jersey, and promote the values and importance of unions today, whilst also recognising their importance throughout the history of our city, and country itself. These are encapsulated in the jersey design with references to famous bohemian trade unionist Jer O’Leary and national hero James Connolly. As a fan-owned community football club, equally owned by almost 3,000 people, the strength of the collective is at the very heart of what it means to be a Bohemian.
Gerry Sexton, Bohemian FC member and NEC member of the CWU said,
I am delighted to see this jersey being launched as it has never been more important to be part of a trade union. The satisfaction I get from being a part of an organisation that helps bring about real change in the workplace and improves the lives and rights of our members is immeasurable.
As both a 100% fan-owned club since 1890 and having amateur-only players until the 1970s, there has long been a strong tradition of both Bohemians members and players playing an active role in the trade union movement.
In 1920, Bohemian FC supported the locked out workers in Belfast during the shipyard expulsions, fundraising for them and playing charity matches in both Dublin and Belfast.
Dalymount Park hosted the 1937 Gala Day event for the ITGWU, part-organised by Frank Robbins, a 1916 veteran of the ICA who had served with James Connolly, and also hosted the 1952 Jim Larkin memorial fundraiser organised by the Workers Union of Ireland
Bohemians players, members and supporters to play a prominent role in the trade union movement include Peter Hoban (Teamsters), Mick Morgan (Irish Sheet Metal Workers Union), Joe Wickham (National Union of Vehicle Builders/ITGWU), Manus O’Riordan (ITGWU/SIPTU), Tom Crean (Workers’ Union of Ireland/ITGWU/SIPTU) and Leo Farrell (ASTMS).
The exclusive shirt is available for pre-order now at the Bohemians online shop (Please note that depending on demand levels, delivery may take up to six weeks) https://www.shop-bohemianfc.com/
