Tuesday 21 July 2015

Republic of Ireland (4)


Away 2010/12; Umbro


Another Irish shirt to add to the collection. In my mind, and I would assume many more Irish people's minds, this shirt is most associated with Richard Dunne's performance away to Russia in Euro 2012 qualifying. Apart from his fantastic performance that evening, he famously wore a unique version of this shirt.  Having clipped his head off the small metal surround of the running track, he returned to the field bloodied, bandaged and without a number on his replacement shirt. This was not good enough for the ref, who proptly told he needed a number.  Step forward the quick-thinking goalkeeping coach, Alan Kelly. Marker in hand, he hastily scribbled an impressive '5' on the back and front.  'The Marker Shirt' has entered Irish lore, and you can see the real thing in this collection of matchworn Irish shirts. 

That little incident aside, this is another gem from Umbro's 'Tailoerd By' range. The plain white with green cuffs and collar hark back to the late 60s, with the under-arm flashes and subtle pinstripe adding  contemporary touch. In terms of the material, the cotton-feel is lovely to wear.  Well done Umbro.

I picked this up for less that €10, which was a steal for the much-coveted sponsorless Irish football shirt. 








1 comment:

  1. That number story is brilliant! I had never heard that before.

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