UMBRO IRELAND have launched their 2022 Irish away kit and it's a throwback to days gone by. The kit released is Orange and is the first time since in a quarter century that the Irish national team have worn the colour. The last time this was worn was during the infamous 1998 World Cup qualifying defeat to Macedonia back in April 1997.
The kit has been lanunced by Umbro Ireland as part of the 2022 campaign ‘Our Time Starts Now.’
Ireland will wear the new kit for the first time when the senior men's team travel to Luxembourg in Ireland's last game of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on November 14.
The kit will include black shorts and orange socks.
Back in 1997 that version was ditched after only two games and for the FAI's sake they will be looking for a longer stint in orange.
The women’s version of the jersey which features a different cut and neckline.
A spokesman for the company that distributes Umbro in Ireland said that that the decision to launch the new colour comes 25 years after Ireland last wore orange - a fateful day in Skopje that saw Jason McAteer sent off in a 3-2 defeat that put a huge dent in Ireland’s World Cup hopes.
Jonathan Courtenay, managing director of JACC Sports, Irish Distributor for Umbro, said: “We are delighted to bring an orange Ireland away kit to market for the 2022 international season.
We have listened to the fans and a huge amount of people had been looking for Orange to be brought back into the kit rotation. 2022 is significant as it is 25 years since Umbro first brought out an Orange Ireland kit so we felt it was time to run with that colourway again.
"The previous orange kit, despite only being worn twice by the senior men’s team has gained an iconic status in Irish kit folklore over the last quarter of a century so hopefully we can make more positive memories in this kit.
"In terms of designing this kit, we put a huge emphasis on evoking the 12th man spirit by increasing visibility on-field for the players and in the stands for the fans and there was a deliberate focus on a modern aesthetic. The kit will go on-sale on November 5th with limited numbers available before Christmas.”
Roy Keane in 1997A spokesperson for Ireland supporters group YouBoysInGreen said: "Our Centenary year was something to celebrate and we did so with the same colour jersey we wore back then, which was a nice touch by all involved.
"Macedonia in 1997 is not something Ireland fans will want to remember and there is a strong case it should be confined to history like the orange jersey, which we only ever wore twice.
"Everyone will have their own opinion on how the jersey looks, but it’s only a few weeks since Ireland fans were sold a jersey reflecting on a special moment in our history. Is a 3-2 defeat to Macedonia, 24 years ago, a moment worth remembering with a new jersey?"
Ireland senior men’s manager Stephen Kenny said: “The reaction to the Centenary Umbro St Patrick’s Blue jersey last month was phenomenal from players and fans alike and we look forward to seeing this new away shirt on for the first time against Luxembourg next week."
Ireland women’s boss Vera Pauw said: “It’s always exciting to launch a new jersey and we look forward to wearing it in future games. It’s also fantastic that there will be a specific women’s fit version and our team thanks Umbro for creating that.”
The full range of 2021/22 Ireland kit and training products are available at www.faishop.com and Elverys Intersport Stores.
Our Time Is Now 👊
We’re proud to unveil the 21/22 Away Kit for the MNT & WNT from @Umbroireland 🇮🇪☘️
On Sale Now!
Grab yours at @officialfaishop or @Elverys #COYBIG | #COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/OEv6fSOfKb— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 5, 2021
