The Olympic Federation of Ireland has announced a landmark extension of its partnership with McKeever Sports (McKVR). The Craigavon-based sportswear manufacturer will continue to dress Team Ireland across both youth and senior Olympic events until the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
The agreement cements a relationship that began in 2019 and has been driven by an athlete-first approach. From concept to completion, Irish athletes are involved in every step of the design process, ensuring that the kit reflects both comfort and identity.
McKVR’s state-of-the-art factory in Craigavon produces bespoke gear tailored specifically for Team Ireland, weaving national colours and custom branding into garments that carry Irish athletes onto the world stage.
That process was put to the test this week in an unusual way, when Olympic champion and Craigavon native Daniel Wiffen swapped the swimming pool for the factory floor.
The 23-year-old took a hands-on role in creating his own bespoke jersey, offering a glimpse into the collaborative process that underpins the partnership.
McKVR itself is a homegrown success story. Founded in 2004 by Padraic McKeever from a small office in his home, the company has grown into a thriving enterprise producing up to 2,000 garments per week and employing more than 90 people.
Its expansion has mirrored Ireland’s growing confidence on the international sporting stage, with the Olympic link providing both visibility and pride.
“It is an immense honour for us to dress Team Ireland for the Olympic journey through to Brisbane 2032,” said Padraic McKeever. “As an Irish brand with deep roots in Craigavon, we take huge pride in ensuring our athletes feel both comfortable and inspired in their kit.”
“Working directly with the athletes, listening to their needs and creating designs that reflect their identity, is at the heart of what we do. To see Irish athletes compete in clothing made here in Ireland is something truly special for all of us at McKVR.”
That spirit of collaboration has been a cornerstone of the partnership, according to the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
Team Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard said the relationship thrives because of McKVR’s ability to put athletes first.
“What makes this partnership so valuable is McKVR’s commitment to the athletes,” he explained.
“They are a partner that listens, adapts and works closely with us to make sure every item of kit supports performance, comfort and pride. That athlete-first mindset makes a real difference when competing at the highest level.”
The announcement of the new deal was marked last night at a celebration attended by some of Ireland’s brightest sporting stars. Olympic and World champions, including rowers Fintan McCarthy and Philip Doyle, boxers Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke, hurdler Thomas Barr, rugby international Eve Higgins, and hockey captain Katie Mullan, were among those who shared their experiences of competing for Ireland on the global stage.
We will have interviews with a number of them on Sport for Business over the coming days.
“Having meaningful, long-term partners who genuinely care about our athletes and our team is hugely important,” said Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
“McKVR has consistently demonstrated that commitment since 2019, investing in Team Ireland, and we are delighted to extend this journey with them all the way to Brisbane 2032.”
“Together, we are building continuity, pride and a strong sense of Irish identity across multiple Olympic cycles.”
The deal also reflects the OFI’s broader ambition to provide Ireland’s athletes with world-class support, both on and off the field of play. With Los Angeles 2028 now firmly on the horizon, and and Brisbane 2032 already in athletes minds as well, Team Ireland is positioning itself to consolidate the gains of Paris 2024 and kick on again.
Image Credit: Olympic Federation of Ireland and Dan Sheridan, Inpho.ie
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
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