Everyone at Bohemian FC is devastated to learn of the sad passing of Alan Bird, our long-serving matchday programme editor.
A long-standing club volunteer, Alan served as programme editor since 2013, including right up to the end of this season as he courageously battled illness, but sadly passed away on Thursday night in the Mater Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Alan’s funeral will take place on Thursday at St Canice’s in Finglas, and we encourage as many of his fellow Bohemians to attend as possible, and also encourage members and supporters to sign the online book of condolences to let Alan’s family know that they are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Stephen Burke, Alan’s predecessor as programme editor, writes:
Alan started contributing to our programme in season 1998/99, writing a regular “Bird’s Eye View” page.
However, it was when he revealed his design skills that one realised a distinctive talent was among us.
As he took on more and more facets of its production, the programme began to look ever more polished and professional.
However, his work wouldn’t be limited to just the programme, and by 2004 he was becoming the club’s go-to man for the designing of adverts, flyers, posters, brochures, all manner of things.
He would never refuse a request for help, indeed he would surprise you afresh with something bright and cheerful that would catch the eye, exactly what you were looking for and more.
That we almost lost Alan in 2011 is seared in my memory, but thankfully he survived that major heart operation in Southampton and everything was soon back to normal. If anything, he now had even more energy, ideas and enthusiasm for Bohs and the programme in particular, and it was only natural that he would become Editor in 2013. It meant even more work and responsibility of course, but he relished the challenge.
He had a way about him that encouraged new contributors to come forward like never before, and he was always looking for ways to improve things.
How rightly proud Alan was to win the Premier Division Programme of the Year – the 2023 Fergus Reid Award, named after another remarkable Bohemian, how fitting is that? – an overdue honour for our dear friend.
Despite his failing health, especially over the past year, he kept ploughing on. With clubs far and wide no longer producing printed match programmes, Alan was determined we’d buck that trend and we did under his leadership.
Amazingly he produced some of his best work this season, the issue in honour of Billy Young back in April proof of that alone. And how Alan managed to put together that final programme (his 248th as Editor) a few weeks ago, working from his hospital bed… well, that says it all really about the character of the man, how devoted and driven he was.
A true Bohemian, he did all this in a voluntary capacity. He gave us so much that we can never thank him enough, I certainly can’t.
We have lost our dear friend far, far too soon.
Alan Bird never forgot anyone, and we will never forget him.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife Sandra, indeed to all his family and many friends.
Death notice
Peacefully, at the Mater Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Sandra, cherished son of Bernard and Ann, and dear brother of Conor and Elaine.
Alan will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, parents, sister, brother, mother-in-law Noeleen, sisters-in-law Claire, Linda and Lorna, brothers-in-law Glen and Neil, nieces and nephews Emily, Michael, Sophie, Grace, Daniel, Olivia and Lara, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace.
Reposing at Michael Doyle Funeral Home, Finglas Village, on Tuesday, 11th, from 3pm to 5pm. Removal on Thursday morning to St. Canice’s Church, Finglas Village, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.