Soccer

Bohs secure rights to release Bob Marley away jersey

Dublin club able to sell kit inspired by reggae legend four years after first copyright issues

Bohemian FC 2022 away shirt features a Bob Marley image in reference to the artist's 1980 Dalymount gig. 10% of income from the jerseys will go towards buying musical and sports equipment for people in direct provision. Video: John Cassidy

Mon Jan 24 2022 - 09:14

Bohemian FC has announced its new Bob Marley-inspired away kit for the upcoming season.

The club first tried to print an image of the reggae legend’s face on a jersey back in 2018, but had to abandon its plans when it emerged that the correct image rights had not been secured.

Marley played his last outdoor concert at Bohs’ Dalymount Park back in 1980.

But the club has announced on Monday that they have worked with the Marley family and Universal Music’s merchandise division to release the new kit for the 2022 campaign.

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10 per cent of the profits made from the jersey sales will be used to purchase musical instruments and football equipment for people in asylum centres across the country.

Speaking at the launch of the new kit, Bohs’ chief operating officer Daniel Lambert referenced the link between Marley and the Dublin club:

“It brings me enormous joy to unveil this jersey today following years of work on the idea.

“The Marley concert at Dalymount is one of Ireland’s truly special musical events, his only ever Irish show and, sadly, his last ever outdoor one.

“His love of football is widely known to all, and that he played on our famous pitch before the concert, the same turf that some of the world’s best players have graced such as Pele, Best and Zidane is amazing.”

Pat Egan was the promoter of that famous concert in 1980. He also has lent his support behind Bohs’ new jersey.

“I think this is a brilliant thing in terms of the memories of the day, the first major worldwide star to play an open air gig in Ireland. It will be an iconic shirt and help keep the Marley legend alive and well on our island.

The day itself, to see him on stage in the stadium, with the huge church steeple in the background was out of this world.

Lucky Khambule, a representative from the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland welcomed the charitable contribution that the jerseys will bring in.

“We at the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland are delighted to be part of this project with Bohemian FC. People in the Asylum system face many difficulties and being able to enjoy sport and music can truly brighten up days for adults and children alike.”

Bob Marley Inspired