In a strong positive for the SSE Airtricity League, we can reveal this morning that Bohemian Football Club and Des Kelly Interiors have agreed a new four-year partnership.
The agreement sees Des Kelly Interiors returning as main sponsors of the Phibsboro club and will see their logo once again appear on the front of the club shirts.
Company founder Des Kelly was a passionate supporter of the club and supported them with shirt front sponsorship for a decade from 2002 to 2011. Kelly first got involved with the club in the 1990s and continued as a main backer throughout his life.
“I am delighted to announce this partnership today and build on something our late father Des started 23 years ago,” said Greg Kelly who together with his brother Gerardo and sister Youlanda took over the running of Des Kelly Interiors after their father passed away in 2016.
Community
“It was very important to us that this was an agreement that covered the club as a whole and our sponsorship of all Bohemians youth teams – both boys and girls – the amputee team, who had lots of success in 2019, and of course Keith Long and his first team, who are heading for Europe in 2020,” added Kelly.
“We believe this demonstrates the extent of our commitment to a club that represents much more than football. They are a force for good in the community and have progressed hugely over the past number of years.”
“Des Kelly Interiors are a local family-owned business with a rich history in this city, much the same as Bohs. The club is innovative, progressive and ambitious, values that we share together which makes this a perfect partnership.”
Proud
“This is a proud day for our family and Des Kelly Interiors and we look forward to many more years of success with the club.”
“We are truly delighted to announce this new agreement,” said Bohemian FC Commercial and Marketing Director Daniel Lambert.
“The Kelly family have been colossal supporters of the club down the years. It is nearly 20 years since Des Kelly part-funded our project to see the old Shed End move from terracing to become the Des Kelly Carpets Stand. Des Kelly were also our main shirt sponsor for ten seasons from 2002 until 2011.”
“Crucially, this new partnership is one that covers our club as opposed to just our senior team as Des Kelly Interiors will appear on the kits of all of our grassroots teams.”
Growth
“We have seen significant growth in recent years; from our charitable and community programmes, attendances at Dalymount Park, the huge expansion of our youth teams – both girls and boys – and the return of European Football in 2020.”
“This exciting new partnership will enable us to build on and strengthen our position as we continue to grow and expand the club at all levels.”
“2020 will see us celebrate our 130th anniversary, mark our 100th season of League of Ireland football and we will continue to progress Project Dalymount with Central Government.”
“Who better to be on our shirt during these exciting times than Des Kelly Interiors? I would like to especially thank Greg, Yolanda and Gerardo Kelly for enabling this to happen.”
Throughout 2020 Sport for Business will work closely with Bohemian FC to bring you a commercial sense of real life in the world of domestic football. We are excited about the new partnership and the work that the club is doing in their community.
The world of football will be well represented at our first Sport for Business Breakfast event at Ulster university’s cathedral Quarter campus on Friday morning, November 29th when Kieran Lucid, advocate for an All-Island League will be in conversation with Rob Hartnett. Click here to reserve a place.