Mixed reaction from Dublin GAA fans as new jersey and sponsor revealed
Brian Fenton after the announcement of Staycity Aparthotels as Dublin's new kit sponsor for the Dublin men’s and ladies football, hurling and camogie teams
Out with the old and in with just one shade of blue – Dublin GAA unveiled a new jersey and main sponsor to a mixed reaction from fans today.
Sports stars Brian Fenton, Dónal Burke, Caoimhe O'Connor and Emma O'Byrne helped launch the new five-year sponsorship with Staycity Aparthotels at Parnell Park.
The Irish Independent took to the streets of the capital to find out what Dubliners made of the revamp with most revealing that they’d prefer older versions - or no jersey at all.
“I like the old one, it’s darker, it gives two tones. You can wear any jersey; my favourite is based on the price,” one Kimmage man said.
“I’d have to check the material for starters. Is it warm, or is it very light? If it was a stronger one, I’d get it for the heat. I like it, but I prefer the two tones.
“I can still see them lifting Sam Maguire in this one. Once the Dubs pick up Sam, they don’t need a jersey,” he added.
Grafton Street busker Vincent added: “I’ll be very honest with you; I’d prefer the old one. It has a certain meaning for me, this one is kind of too modern.
“The old one is so special because of the number of All-Irelands they won with it; but I’m sure they could win if they’d no shirts at all. They won so much with the old one. I’m a real sports fan, no matter what’s on the box, I’ll watch it.”
Camogie player Emma O'Byrne in the new jersey. Pic: Sportsfile
A woman from Blanchardstown also admitted she’s not a fan of the new look.
“I think I prefer the old one. The bit in the middle of the new one doesn’t really look like a football jersey, it kind of looks like an ad. If it’s on talent, they’ll still win, if it’s based on the jersey, obviously not,” she said.
Others are predicting that the price would put them off replacing the jerseys they already own.
“Jesus, AIG was there for years, Vodafone before that. Now it’s StayCity, I’ve never even heard of it. It’s not the worst. I’ve all of them up until now, as presents, I wouldn’t buy them myself. It’s nice, the best was the Support4Drummo,” one said.
Another pub-goer added: “It’s a nice jersey, but it’s too expensive. It’s good to modernise it, it needs a bit of change. The old Arnott’s one is definitely the best.”
Hurler Donal Burke at the jersey launch. Pic: Sportsfile
Meanwhile, sports shops in the city centre can see it flying off the shelves once it becomes available later this month.
One member of staff at Lifestyle Sports said: “It’s very different. I’d say they’ll sell out quite quick. It looks like a training top. I like the Arnott’s one.
At Elverys Sport, another worker added: “It’s a better jersey than last season. It looks like a tighter fit. It’ll 100pc fly off the shelves, the fact that they won it last year as well, there’s a lot of demand for it.
“Especially in the city, a lot of tourists buy Dublin jerseys. A lot of tourists come in here wanting something Irish, you can’t get more Irish than a GAA jersey. I’d buy a Dublin jersey, no matter what it’s like because I’m a fan.”
A flower seller highlighted that the change was needed.
“I like the new one. It’s nicer. I think it needed a revamp. It needs a change, like a lot of things,” she said.
