Bohemian FC and the Rise of Irish Football with Jimmy Dignam, Chief Operating Officer at Bohs

Are We Witnessing a Golden Era for the League of Ireland?

As the 2026 League of Ireland season kicks off, we’re back at the heart of the action to explore the culture, commerce, and intense passion driving Irish football forward.

In this episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, host Clare Kenny continues the exploration of Irish football sparked in the previous conversation with James Callan, shifting the focus to the League of Ireland's present and future with Jimmy Dignam, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian FC. Recorded live from the Aviva Stadium just hours before Bohs kicked off their 2026 campaign against Dublin rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic, this conversation captures the electric anticipation of a league on the rise.

Jimmy isn't just an administrator; he is a lifelong fan turned key operator in one of Ireland's most culturally significant clubs. From the terraces of Dalymount Park to the boardroom, Jimmy offers an insider’s perspective on how Bohemian FC has transformed from a local football team into a globally recognised brand with a distinct social conscience.

We explore the challenges of running a fan-owned club, the delicate balance between commercial growth and community values, and what the future holds for the League of Ireland as it enters a potential golden era.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Bohs Identity: Jimmy discusses how Bohemian FC carved out a unique space in world football, leveraging political engagement, creative merchandising, and community values to build a cult following far beyond Phibsborough.
• Operational Excellence: A look behind the curtain at what it takes to run a top-tier Irish club, managing limited resources while striving for professional standards off the pitch.
• The Aviva Factor: The significance of kicking off the season at the national stadium and what big-stage games mean for the commercial and cultural growth of domestic football.
• Fan Culture & Experience: How the matchday experience is evolving in Ireland, the resurgence of local support, and the importance of modernising facilities to keep momentum going.
• 2026 Season Outlook: Jimmy shares his thoughts on the season ahead, the intensity of the Dublin derbies, and the broader landscape of Irish football as it battles for attention against other codes.

Whether you’re a lifelong Bohs fan, a League of Ireland enthusiast, or a sports business professional interested in how culture drives commerce, this episode offers a front-row seat to the changing face of Irish football.

Tune in now to get ready for kick-off!