The FAI has announced a new campaign in partnership with Cadbury aimed at rallying nationwide support behind the Republic of Ireland’s senior international teams during a crucial period of fixtures.

The “Paint March Green” initiative will see Cadbury, now a sponsor of both the men’s and women’s national teams, encourage fans, clubs and communities to show visible backing for the squads as they prepare for major international challenges in the weeks ahead.

The campaign builds on Cadbury’s existing relationship with Irish football, having first partnered with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team in 2021.

Since then, the brand has supported a range of initiatives designed to increase participation and visibility in the women’s game, including the “Become A Supporter & A Half” campaign, FAI Cadbury Kick Fit and the Grounds For Change programme.

The latest activation expands that support to include both senior international teams, aligning with what will be a pivotal period for Irish football on the international stage.

Cadbury Senior Brand Manager for Chocolate in Ireland, Seamus Harahan, said the campaign is designed to harness growing enthusiasm around the national teams as they compete in qualification pathways for major tournaments.

“There’s great excitement around both our national football teams who are preparing for some of the biggest tournaments in the world,” he said.

“Since 2021, we’ve been incredibly proud to stand behind the Women’s National Team and to play a small role in the growth and momentum around women’s football. Now we’re proud to stand with both our national teams as sponsors.”

“We’re encouraging the nation to get behind the teams in green together – whether it’s wearing your favourite green top, tuning into the games, leaving messages of support or simply being a Cadbury Supporter & A Half.”

The expanded partnership has also been welcomed by the FAI, with Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh highlighting Cadbury’s role in supporting the development of the women’s game and its continued investment across the sport.

“Cadbury has been an outstanding partner to work with, and they have done excellent work in helping to raise the profile of women and girls’ football in Ireland since 2021,” he said.

“We’re thrilled that Cadbury has extended their partnership to now also support our Men’s National Team as part of a wider collaboration that will undoubtedly play an important role in promoting Irish football over what is a really exciting period through to 2029.”

On the pitch, both national teams face significant fixtures in the coming weeks.

The Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs later this month. They are scheduled to face Czechia in Prague’s Fortuna Arena on 26 March, with the winners progressing to a decisive play-off final against either Denmark or North Macedonia. That final is set to be hosted at the Aviva Stadium on 31 March.

Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said the addition of Cadbury as a partner comes at an important juncture.

“We are delighted to welcome Cadbury as a partner to the Men’s National Team at such an important moment for Irish football as we prepare for the World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team will continue their qualification campaign for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in April. They are set to face Poland in back-to-back fixtures on 14 and 18 April, with the second match also taking place at the Aviva Stadium.

Head Coach Carla Ward said continued commercial backing has played a key role in the growth of the women’s game.

“The support from Cadbury has made a real difference to the growth of women and girls’ football across the country and it’s fantastic to see Cadbury extend its sponsorship to both national teams,” she said.

With both squads entering decisive phases of their respective campaigns, the FAI and Cadbury are aiming to use the “Paint March Green” initiative to generate a unified show of support across the country, reinforcing the connection between the teams and their supporters at a key moment in the international calendar.

 

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Image Credit: FAI

 

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