‘Imagine if a Northern club with predominantly unionist support promoted merchandise with slogans like “no surrender” or “simply the best”?’
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said they are ‘inappropriate’ and ‘do not help’ the cause of a united Ireland.
Mr Ó Ríordáin – who served as a Labour TD in Dublin and is currently a Member of the European Parliament – said: “Attaching this slogan to a football club is inappropriate.
“Imagine if a northern club with predominantly unionist support promoted merchandise with slogans like ‘no surrender’ or ‘simply the best’?
“Building a new Ireland means respecting difference and understanding what slogans or phrases are particularly offensive or triggering to others.”
Titled ‘TÁL Bohs’, the garment is currently available to buy for €25 on Bohemians FC’s website.
The online description of the T-shirt states: “Part of the Bohemian FC Streetwear series. Double-side print as Gaeilge – an adaptation from our Dublin’s Originals matchday artwork series by Joaquin Gomez Galvez. Screen printed in Dublin.”
The clothing item has the words ‘An Cumann Peile Bóihéamach’ emblazoned across the front, which translates from Irish to ‘The Bohemian Football Club’ in English.
Bohemians FC new ‘TÁL BOH’ streetwear t-shirt.
The phrase ‘Tiocfaidh ár lá’ which appears on the back translates to ‘our day will come’ in English, and has historically been associated with Irish republicanism and at times linked to IRA violence.
Mr Ó Ríordáin continued: “Bohs are a progressive club. On racism, LGBTQI+ rights, Palestinian solidarity and community relations they’ve shown unbelievable leadership. Which means they have credibility and a wide social media reach.
“As Patrick Kielty, who lost his dad to loyalist violence, said: it’s harder not to sing the rebel song about a new Ireland in order to achieve it. It’s easier just to sing it and not care about who it hurts.
“Promoting slogans from a dark past doesn’t help anyone. Especially if we’re serious about a united Ireland.”
Patrick Kielty’s father, Jack Kielty, was shot dead in 1988 by a loyalist paramilitary group when Patrick was 16.
The Co Down native has since described how the trauma of his father’s murder continues to affect him decades later, including being “re‑triggered” by political tensions like Brexit.
In discussing his father’s death and its aftermath – primarily in the BBC documentary My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me – the Dundrum-born presenter has talked about how his family rejected IRA offers of revenge and chose not to pursue violence, even when it was suggested they could respond in kind.
Bohemians FC has been contacted for comment.
The League Of Ireland team announced the new merchandise alongside the reveal of its new home kit for the 2026 season, which is retro-themed, inspired by their 1976 cup-winning team at Dalymount Park.
As a fan-owned club, Bohemians are known for jerseys that double as social and cultural statements.
Last week, the team unveiled their latest music-inspired jersey collaboration, partnering with Irish DJ Annie Mac for the 2025 women’s away kit.
The recent orange-and-pink design marks the club’s seventh musician-themed release in recent years – a strategy that has helped drive shirt sales into seven-figure territory, according to chief operating officer, Daniel Lambert, who is also the manager of Irish language rappers Kneecap.
Bohemians FC new ‘TÁL BOH’ streetwear t-shirt.
News Catch Up – Friday 12 December
Bohs say that profits from the Annie Mac kit will be split between the team and providing music lessons in two local Dublin schools.
It follows a string of high-profile musical collaborations, including Oasis for the 2025 FAI Cup, Fontaines DC for a protest-symbol third kit, Thin Lizzy’s ‘Black Rose’-themed 2024 away shirt, an Aslan tribute jersey in 2023, a popular Bob Marley kit in 2022, and the first Fontaines DC partnership in 2021.
Profits from each kit have been shared in various amounts between the North Dublin club and specific charities relating to each new release – including British Charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, the St. Francis Hospice, and homelessness charity Focus Ireland.