The Republic of Ireland went down to a 2-1 defeat in Sunday’s international friendly against Turkey at the weekend but a crowd of over 25,000 was a fair size given the non competitive nature of the game and the end of the season feeling between now and the start of the World Cup in three weeks time.
The occasion was also used to launch the new home kit which will be worn through the qualification stages and hopefully the finals of the Euro 2016 tournament.
Three, Umbro and the FAI came together to do the launch and involved fans in the process through social media as well.
Ireland players, Shane Long, David Meyler, Jon Walters and David Forde were togged out in the new kit for the official jersey launch photo shoot and had used their own personal accounts to provide teasers as well.
Themed ‘Green to the Core,’ the new home jersey and team kit is almost entirely green with the exception of a white collar and white turnover on the classic green socks.
Describing the new kit design, Jonathan Courtenay, Managing Director of Umbro Ireland, said:“The standout difference with this striking new kit is that the shorts have been changed from White to Green to match our tagline: “Green to the Core”. We also wanted to acknowledge the fans’ anthem, “Come on you boys in Green”. Now they will be – all in green.”
Joining the team for the photo shoot, were fans who participated in the shoot following a competition on Three’s twitter page.
Describing the experience, Paula Brady, said: “I think it is fair to say that the fans wear the jersey with as much pride as the players, so it was a great honour to be invited by Three to take part in the launch of this classic jersey. I never thought I’d ever see the day I was involved in something like this!”
The kit will not be available in stores until the end of July but can be pre-ordered from the FAI’s online shop
