The familiar sight of the O'Neill's logo on a GAA jersey is becoming slightly less familiar as other brands are trying to make the breakthrough.
All-Ireland champions Armagh are the first team to lift the Sam Maguire without wearing an O'Neill's kit since 2012, when Donegal were sponsored by Azurri.
The orchards were kitted out by McKeever Sports, a brand founded in their native county, and are continuing to grow in the GAA space.
This Sunday you will see Errigal Ciaran wearing their kit as they face Kilcoo in the Ulster final, and now a third inter-county team has made the move as well.
Leitrim were already sporting McKeever gear last year, but now Westmeath have joined the party, and are releasing their new jersey to the public very soon.
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Coming soon…👀👕 https://t.co/7OF6C5BOLA
— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) November 29, 2024
Funnily enough, Leitrim are changing their kit supplier again this year with another new face in the GAA world of sports branding.
Gaelic Armour, a sports brand from Tipperary will now supply The Wild Rose County with their clothing needs, and have already got some air time this year, as they kitted out the Football Rules Committee with their coats, jackets, and track suits during the inter-provincial tournament that trialled the new rules.
The Irish Examiner reported earlier in the month that the GAA have sought initial expressions of interest in becoming an official kit licensee.
O’Neill's and Azzurri are the two longest standing suppliers of GAA kits across Ireland, but as we have seen already with McKeever Sports, that list is starting to grow.
New brands have entered the GAA market in recent years as well such as KC Sport (Westmeath-based), Masita (Meath), Gaelic Armour (Tipperary) and Intosport (Kilkenny).
The prospect of a multinational sportswear manufacturer entering the GAA jersey market also can’t be ruled out, and with Croke Park currently inviting bids, it is possible that a non-Irish brand will enter the fray.
