Bohs romp home in Europe as 6,000-plus supporters return to the Aviva

PHOTOS: GRAHAM KEOGH

It wasn't just Bohemians who were the winners last in the Aviva as 6,000-plus fans including Hot Press got to see the first game of footie since Lockdown when the majority of the shouting and bad language wasn't coming from the respective dugouts.

Unlike the recent pilot music gig in Kilmainham a negative Covid test wasn't a prerequisite although wearing a mask and maintaining a sensible distance between you and your fellow supporter was.

The pre-match music had an air of indie disco featuring as it did a couple of belters from club away kit sponsors Fontaines D.C. and Lankum whose reading of 'The Old Triangle' is almost as popular around Phibsboro way as Johnny Logan's 'Hold Me Now'.

It worked a treat in terms of firing the Bohs lads up. Having drawn 1-1 away to Stjarnan in Iceland, they were favourites to progress to the next round of the Europa Conference and duly obliged by sticking three past the visitors with no reply. Along with the glory, they also received €250,000 in prize money which explains why Europe is such a holy grail for sides here.

There was no freezing in the headlights as they dominated in every department with the only disappointment being that sharpshooter Georgie Kelly didn't get to complete what would have been an outstanding hat-trick.

Among those watching their slick passing movements and lightning fast counters was Ireland manager Stephen Kenny who, to be fair, already knew his much outstanding talent there is in the domestic league.

Next up for Bohs in Europe are Luxembourg's Dudelange who, whilst likely to be a cut above Stjarnan, would appear eminently beatable.

Judging by tonight, it's going to be another cracker!