Bohemian FC Crest History
Between 1970 and 1975, Bohemian FC used a black shield with a gold outline featuring a red central shield displaying three castles, the historic symbol of the City of Dublin. Above the shield sat a green shamrock, representing Ireland, while Celtic knotwork decorated the upper corners, reflecting the club's Irish heritage. Around the outside appeared the words Bohemian Football Club. This crest combined Dublin's civic identity with traditional Irish symbolism and became closely associated with the club during the early years of the League of Ireland's modern era.
From 1975 to 1996, the badge was redesigned into a more elegant black-and-white shield with a red centre. The three castles were replaced by three stylised letter "B"s, representing Bohemian Football Club. A shamrock remained at the top of the crest, while the club's full name was written around the border. The cleaner design gave the badge a more distinctive identity while preserving its Irish roots and became one of the club's best-known emblems.
Between 1996 and 2006, Bohemian FC restored the three castles of Dublin to the centre of the crest, replacing the three "B"s. The castles, taken from the coat of arms of Dublin, reaffirmed the club's deep connection to the city. The shamrock remained above the shield, while the black-and-white border and the words Bohemian Football Club continued to frame the emblem. This version successfully combined the club's traditional identity with Dublin's historic civic symbol.
Since 2006, Bohemian FC has used a modern circular crest. The badge features a black outer ring bearing the words Bohemian Football Club and Dublin, while the centre contains a red circle enclosing a black shield with the three white castles of Dublin. Above the shield is a football, symbolising the club's sporting identity.
Bohemian FC Club History
Bohemian Football Club was founded on 6 September 1890 in Dublin, making it the oldest football club in the Republic of Ireland and one of the oldest clubs on the island of Ireland. The club was established by members of the Royal Hibernian Military School in Phoenix Park and took its name from the ideal of the "Bohemian", a free-spirited and independent individual. Since its foundation, Bohemian FC has remained proudly supporter-owned, making it one of the few fully fan-owned professional clubs in European football.
Bohemians were a founding member of the League of Ireland in 1921 and have competed in the league's top division for almost their entire history. Throughout the twentieth century, the club established itself as one of Ireland's traditional football powers, winning numerous league championships and domestic cup competitions while playing at the historic Dalymount Park, often referred to as the "Home of Irish Football." For many decades, Dalymount Park hosted Ireland's international matches and numerous FAI Cup Finals, making it one of the country's most iconic football venues.
The club enjoyed its first major period of dominance during the 1920s and 1930s, winning several League of Ireland titles and FAI Cups. Bohemians became renowned for their attractive football and produced many Irish internationals, helping to establish the League of Ireland as a competitive national competition.
A second golden era arrived in the 1970s under legendary manager Billy Young. Bohemians won the League of Ireland in 1974–75 and captured multiple FAI Cups and League Cups, while also competing regularly in European competitions. During this period, the club strengthened its reputation as one of Ireland's leading football institutions.
Another highly successful period came under manager Pat Fenlon between 2008 and 2011. Bohemians won back-to-back League of Ireland Premier Division titles in 2008 and 2009, while also lifting the FAI Cup in 2008 and 2009, completing consecutive domestic Doubles. The club also won the League Cup and Setanta Sports Cup, making this one of the most successful periods in its history.
Bohemians have represented Ireland in European competitions on numerous occasions, facing clubs such as Aberdeen, Kaiserslautern, Rangers, Schalke 04, and Red Bull Salzburg. One of the club's most memorable European moments came in 2009, when Bohemians narrowly lost 2–1 on aggregate to Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after holding the Austrian side to a famous 1–1 draw at Dalymount Park.
In recent years, Bohemian FC has become widely admired both on and off the pitch. While continuing to compete near the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division, the club has gained international recognition for its community engagement, supporter ownership, charitable initiatives, and uniquely designed jerseys celebrating Irish music, culture, and social causes. Extensive redevelopment plans for Dalymount Park are also set to transform one of Ireland's most historic football grounds into a modern stadium while preserving its rich heritage.
Bohemians' greatest rivals are Shamrock Rovers, with meetings between the clubs forming the famous Dublin Derby, the biggest rivalry in Irish football. Fierce local rivalries also exist with Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic, and Drogheda United.
