For St. Patrick’s Day this year, Umbro have fused Irish heritage with football culture for the ’17-3’ collection – a pair of jerseys that celebrate Ireland’s deep footballing roots while embracing modern creativity.
Umbro have had three previous stints as kit producer for Republic of Ireland (1966-69, 1995-2016, 2020-2022), but it looks as though they’re fishing for a fourth, showing off just how beautiful and Irish kit set could be. The ’17-3’ collection drops for St. Patrick’s Day, and it boasts two standout jerseys, each rich in detail and meaning. One embodies the unmistakable colours of the Irish flag, while the other drops in a deep blue—a nod to the original hue of St Patrick’s cloak. But it’s the finer details that elevate these shirts.
A striking all-over print of the Triquetra, the ancient Celtic knot, weaves through the fabric, symbolising the unbreakable spirit of Irish fans. Football connects people across borders and generations, just as the knot binds culture, history, and identity. Adding to the aesthetic, the shield-shaped crest blends St Patrick’s insignia, the shamrock, and the date of the occasion, delivering a design that’s both reverent and forward-thinking.
The Double Diamond branding (in its current Centenary celebration styling) even gets in on the act on the home shirt, taking on the tricolour of the Irish flag, while on the away it takes on a pleasing golden hue that ties in with the accent aesthetics of the design.
Backing the drop is a campaign that puts real Irish creatives at the forefront, set to be rolled out on the brand's social channels in the build up to St. Patrick's Day. Directed by Mark William Logan and produced by Dublin’s CLTV.Film, there's a film that showcases four individuals who embody Ireland’s cultural heartbeat. From Rónán O' Snodaigh, the bódhran virtuoso keeping Irish rhythm alive, to barber and ex-footballer Leah Hayden Cassidy, who’s bringing her artistry to London, the campaign captures the essence of Irish ingenuity. Rising music star EFÉ, now signed to Fader Records in the U.S., represents Ireland’s bold new wave, while skater and activist Phil Halton proves that sport and community thrive even in the most remote corners, having co-founded a skatepark on Innis Oírr. Eyes out for this one.
Umbro's 17-3 jerseys are available to purchase now at Umbro.co.uk
