New Ireland home kit is unveiled by the FAI but some fans are not happy

The new kit will be worn for the first time by Stephen Kenny’s team at home to Belgium in the Republic of Ireland’s official centenary game on March 26th and with the women's team set to also wear the new jersey.

"The strip aims to capture the emotive feeling that the Irish diaspora feels when they get their first sight of home soil flying back into Ireland," read the FAI statement as they launched the kit.

"The 2022 Republic of Ireland Home kit incorporates a modern aesthetic based on something as old as time, Ireland’s iconic landscape.

"Multiple shades of green are used to create the “field” effect and the kit has been engineered using a lightweight performance polyester.

"The sleeve ends look white from the front and orange from the back creating a bold tricolour of national identity. Predominantly classic white shorts with green and orange detailing trim complement the jersey and green socks complete the look.

"It is also a nod to the best fans in the world returning “home” again to the Aviva Stadium after two very difficult years."

The new look is a step away from the traditional green Irish kit and the initial reaction from some fans on Twitter was not entirely favourable.

"Is this a training shirt," was a question from one fan, while another suggested the absence of players in the official photo shoot was evidence that they did not want to wear the kit.

Our verdict?

There have clearly been more iconic kit designs down the year and the patterned green on the jersey looks a little muddled, but all that matters is what the Ireland player do on the field when they are wearing the kit.

After Kenny signed a new contract to continue as Ireland manager through to 2024 this week, he will be hoping this is the kit that sees the team return to winning ways over the coming months.