BOHS
BOHS!
A lone Irish tricolour swayed imperceptibly as a minute's silence blanketed Dalymount Park, a warm ripple of applause following suit from the Jodi stand as the players bounced energetically in preparation for kick-off. The home side were quick out the traps, intent on making a statement as bold as the BFC graffiti that decorates the Dalymount Park box; its red, black and white contrasting sharply with the Mono stand.
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2024
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Bohs finished eighth in the table last season with six wins from 20 games and exited the Women’s FAI Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 3-1 defeat on August 25th at Turners Cross. Despite the optics of their premier division final standing, The Gypsies glimmered in their favoured 4-2-3-1 formation with flashes of verve and pizzaz
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With what already seems to be a uniform vision under Hysa and a commitment to raise the club to the height of it's true stature, the players appear determined to build upon last season and hunt for higher honours in 2025.
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Key Player Re-Signings and Contracts:
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The Gypsies roamed unshackled in the first 45’ and were a handful for The Hoops on the wings, Sarah McKevitt and Katie Malone propelling forward as the Dalymount turf became their runway.
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Bohemians always looked to have another goal up their sleeve and it came in the 64th minute, Kane awarded for her marauding play in the fixture when a long ball from Murphy found McEvoy on the right flank, the 23-year-old stretching to toe poke it across to Kane who buried it in the back of the net.
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Savannah Kane – The Anchor
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Katie Malone – The Playmaker
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Sarah McKevitt – The Technician
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Malone, named Bohs' Senior Player of the Year 2024, was a vital playmaker in midfield for the women in red and black.
Missing an 8 week spell in the early part of the season, the Bohs number 10’s innate flair and fire shone bright from her first touch of the ball as the former DLR dynamo netted six goals across all competitions on her return. Malone made her Bohs debut on August 19, 2023, against Peamount United and netted her first goal in a 2-2 draw with Wexford Youths at Dalymount Park and will no doubt be a vital force as Bohs look to roar further up the league table this campaign.
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Then with a touch of verve, Lisa Murphy played a long ball to McKevitt who turned Ayaka Ikeza for dust on the right flank, and you sensed that a goal was imminent as the deflections mounted.
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Winger Sarah McKevitt, who’s frightening pace on the channel haunts many a defender, scored four across all competitions for Bohs and is another key re-signing for the Phibsborough outfit. Speaking to club media, the Thurles native expressed her excitement for the season ahead:
"I feel a strong connection to the club and the fans, and I’m excited to work with Alban and continue building the team."
Young Talent & New Signings
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Aoibhe Brennan – The Future & Young Player of the Year 2024
The winger then chops it back to Aoibhe Brennan who takes a moment to stop on the ball and take in the scenery - then spins and turns her marker. Brennan then trickles the ball back to Murphy’s feet who punts it forward to Malone.
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The central midfielder with an innate natural talent broke into the senior side at just 16 years of age.
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Brennan flourished at Shels with the Shelbourne U17s where she netted 20 goals as part of their league and cup double wins.
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Republic of Ireland U19 international
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Women's Premier Division Player of the Month (August 2024)
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Young Player of the Year 2024
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Emma Gaughran – The Rising Talent
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Manager Hysa has praised her potential, calling Gaughran "an exciting prospect who has the talent to make a significant impact this year."
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The former Shels Academy player made her senior debut against Shamrock Rovers Women in September 2024, showing a tenacious spirit, signing her first senior contract after impressing with Bohs U19s.​​
​Hannah Healy – The Visionary​
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In 2022 and 2023 the Balbriggan native won the U17 national league and cup, the Academy graduate receiving the nod for Player of the Year with Shelbourne in 2022.
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Capped at U15 Ireland Schools, U16, and U17 level internationally.
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Made a total of 18 first-team appearances for Shelbourne senior team in her debut season, scoring three.
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Played in 22 academy games and netted 11 goals.
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Under 19s international
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Scored against Bulgaria in Ireland’s 2024/25 UEFA European Championship Qualifier in November
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Played 1260 minutes across all competitions for The Reds in 2024
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Became the youngest-ever competitor in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers when she made a substitute appearance in Lithuania
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On Healy’s signing, Manager Alban Hysa said: “Fearless, driven, and with an unwavering attitude, Hannah is an exceptional international player whose progress has been nothing short of remarkable. After gaining valuable experience in the league last season, her development has been impressive. Strong, physically dominant, and relentless in her drive forward, she poses a constant attacking threat. With her immense potential, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to grow and evolve into a key player for our squad this year.”​​​​​​​
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Squad Leadership & Key Figures
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Katie McCarn – The Versatile Attacker
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Played with Shelbourne's WU17 squad in 2021 and 2022, winning the national league and cup double in 2022.
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Scored 21 goals in 21 games for Shelbourne's WU19 team in 2023.
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Earned her first senior matchday squad call-up for the Avenir Sports Cup game in Galway in 2023.
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Included in Shelbourne’s Champions League qualifying trip in 2023
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Made her senior debut as a substitute against Cliftonville in the All-Island Cup on 23 March 2024.
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Scored her first senior goal in a 4-0 win over DLR Waves on 27 July 2024 at Tolka Park.
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Left Shelbourne at the end of the 2024 season with one goal from nine league and cup appearances to join Bohemians​​
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Rachael Kelly – The Commander (Goalkeeper)
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Rachael Kelly too showed up to fight for the Gypsies - and did, making a number of spectacular saves both on and off her line as the Town pressed for the opener.
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Enters her fourth season with Bohs.
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Has played 8,022 minutes since 2020 for Shelbourne and Bohemians combined.
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Recorded clean sheets in the WPD last season against Treaty United, Sligo Rovers and Galway.
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Speaking to Darren O'Hanlon at the League Launch at the Mansion House Kelly said: "Everyone knows how big this club is and we know what is needed from us this year."
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Fiona Donnelly – The Leader
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Number 6 in the squad and vice-captain.
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Played 2,184 minutes across all competitions in 2023.
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Signed for Bohemians in 2023 from DLR Waves.
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Women's Player of the Month nominee in July 2023
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On both Captain and Vice, Manager Alban Hysa said: “Rachael and Fiona and exceptional leaders in the group as well as being brilliant players, so we are delighted that they have recommitted to the club as we look to build on last season.
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Alban Hysa – The Strategist (Head Coach)
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Following Ken Kiernan’s departure to take the reins as Assistant Manager at Dundalk, Bohemians announced Alban Hysa as their new women's head coach.
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The 46-year-old UEFA A License coach moved to Ireland from Albania 25 years ago, playing League of Ireland football with Dublin City and Monaghan United. The former Treaty United manager led Bohs' U17 side last season and has experience in the development of some of the brightest young talent.
"It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club, and I am absolutely delighted for the opportunity to lead the senior team," Hysa said. "This is a club with such a rich history, and all that it stands for resonates deeply with me. I’m looking forward to getting going and working with our talented players to build on the strong foundation we have here."
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Former Shelbourne and Dundalk midfielder Alan Murphy will continue in his role as assistant manager.
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Estimate the Bohemian Boomers at your peril.
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