League of Ireland side Bohemians have teamed up with Dublin band Fontaines DC for their 2021 away kit, highlighting the issue of homelessness across the country.
The Bohs have championed social causes in recent years, with the message ‘Refugees Welcome’ branded across their shirt last year to raise awareness of the issues with Ireland’s direct provision system of asylum seeker accommodation.
This year, Bohemians and Fontaines, Dublin’s Grammy-nominated band, have partnered with Focus Ireland, who have worked to tackle homelessness for over 35 years, and 15% of the jersey profits will go directly to them.
Fontaines drummer Tom Coll said: “We’re extremely proud to be a part of the new Bohs kit in conjunction with Focus Ireland as they are two organisations that we hold very close to our hearts.
“Bohemians and the work they do on a social inclusion, humanitarian and the community development level is something that we are proud to support in any way that we can.
Out now – our 2021 away shirt with massive thanks to @DesKellyIE and in collaboration with @fontainesdublin in support of @FocusIreland
Homelessness is not a fact of life & cannot be normalised in Ireland!
‘Beware of the risen People’ ✊❤️?
? https://t.co/Bk07jzsroM pic.twitter.com/F8kLDDyQit
— An Cumann Peile Bóihéamach (@bfcdublin) March 13, 2021
“We hope that this jersey can do something similar with Focus Ireland and we can raise some money for the tireless work they provide for the homeless community in Ireland.”
Bohemians’ chief operating officer Daniel Lambert added: “With massive thanks to Des Kelly Interiors, it is brilliant to link up with Fontaines DC who are no strangers to Dalymount Park, and Focus Ireland who do such essential work combatting homelessness across the country.
We’re extremely proud to be a part of the new Bohs kit in conjunction with Focus Ireland as they are two organisations that we hold very close to our hearts. @bfcdublin @FocusIreland https://t.co/X8GITXdSGa pic.twitter.com/6GptJrKaTF
— Fontaines D.C. (@fontainesdublin) March 13, 2021
“We know that football and music both have enormous power to reach people and engage people. Homelessness is not something that must exist, it can, and it should be solved, and we need to ensure as a society that it is not normalised and accepted.”
The jersey itself ‘pays homage to Dublin and Ireland in its design’ and features the ‘Dublin in the rain is mine’ Fontaines lyric from their song ‘Big’, and Patrick Pearse’s quote ‘Beware of the Risen People’ from the wall of Kilmainham Gaol.
