Cork GAA has explained that an agreement with O'Neills led to them wearing red and black training kits in recent Allianz Football and Hurling League fixtures.
The Rebels donned the alternate kit in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A win over Waterford on February 25th, and in the Allianz Football League Division 2 victory against Kildare on Sunday at Supervalu Pairc ui Cháoimh
Some supporters were unhappy with the outfits, preferring to see Cork play in their traditional red kit or their white alternative, but the county board have now confirmed the decisions were part of an agreement with O'Neills and main shirt sponsor Sports Direct.
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Cork GAA explain reasons behind wearing training jerseys
“As part of our agreement with O'Neill's we have an arrangement to wear an alternative strip for one league fixture in the even numbered years in order to promote sales," said Cork County Board secretary/CEO Kevin O’Donovan at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting.
“In addition to the regular royalty payment from O'Neill's, Sports Direct contribute an additional royalty for such alternative jerseys.
“This strip is not to be confused with our official ‘away’ strip which is, of course, white. This will continue to be worn in the event of any colour clashes with our primary red and white jerseys
"Both O’Neill’s and Sports Direct have been great supporters in recent times and have always stayed loyal to our primary colours in our main and away kits.
“All jerseys must be approved by Croke Park in advance. The required permission was granted in advance of the two games in question.”
25 February 2024; Jack O'Connor of Cork during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A match between Cork and Waterford at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Cork address negative reaction to jerseys
Addressing the negative reaction, O'Donovan noted an increase in sales since the jerseys were worn on the field, and promised to be more open about the reasoning behind their choice of attire in future.
"All marketing and sales advice before and after the games has been that it has been a big hit with the younger demographic at whom it was targeted. A major spike in sales was noted following the team’s wearing of the jersey.
"We may communicate the context of such jerseys more widely in advance but all commercial endeavours continue to pursue financial stability and the promotion of our games and teams.
“Sometimes, there must be some give and take and fortunately our teams grabbed two vital wins while wearing the somewhat controversial kit, which will now return to the training field and hopefully the streets of Cork."
While the jerseys didn't go down well, they proved to be a lucky charm for Cork, with two wins out of two. One-off jerseys have done well commercially across all sports, with Bohemian FC in particular nailing the idea over the past few years.
It may not sit well with traditionalists, but trendy temporary designs appear to be here to stay.
See Also: Sam Maguire Power Rankings: Gaelic Football's Top 10 After 5 Rounds Of The League
