Ireland 1989 Rejected Design Retro Football Jersey
Discover one of the most fascinating untold stories in Irish football shirt history with the Ireland 1989 Unreleased Home Retro Jersey. Originally conceived as a bold new design during the Republic of Ireland's qualification campaign for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, this distinctive shirt was ultimately rejected before becoming part of the national team's official matchwear collection.
The standout feature is the striking white and orange chevron pattern extending across the chest and sleeves, creating a dramatic geometric appearance against the traditional emerald green background. A classic V-neck collar with tricolour-inspired detailing and white shoulder stripes complete the unmistakable late-1980s football aesthetic. The traditional shamrock shield crest adds an additional historical touch, recalling the national team's earlier football identity.
The design was publicly unveiled in April 1989 but was not approved for international match use. Despite its rejection, versions of the shirt featuring the older shamrock emblem circulated as supporters' apparel, giving this unusual design a unique place in the history of Irish football fashion.
Combining bold vintage graphics with a remarkable historical backstory, the Ireland 1989 Unreleased Home Retro Jersey is a distinctive tribute to an alternative chapter of the nation's football heritage. An exceptional choice for vintage football enthusiasts, Ireland supporters and collectors who appreciate rare and unconventional retro designs.
Please refer to the size guidance on this product page for detailed measurements.
Republic of Ireland 1989 Unreleased Home Jersey
Buy 4 selected tops & save 20% · Buy 2 items & save 10%
Size Guidance (Retro Jersey)
Size Chest (in) Length (in) Rec. Height (ft/in) Rec. Weight (lb) S 39 28 65–67 121–132 M 41 28 67–69 132–154 L 43 29 69–71 154–176 XL 44 30 71–75 176–198 XXL 46 31 75–79 198–220 Note: All sizes are for reference only. Manual measurement may result in an error of ±1 inch.
IN BETWEEN SIZES?
That's easier said than done. Because what do you do if you are in between two sizes?
Well, that's up to you. Do you like a tight fit? Go for the smaller size. Loving a loose fit? Go for the larger size.
TOP FIT
If your body measurements for chest and waist result in two different suggested sizes, order the size from your chest measurement.
Season Information
Detail
Information
National Team
Republic of Ireland
Year
1989
Kit Type
Unreleased Home Design / Supporters' Shirt
Historical Era
1989–1990 World Cup Qualifying Period
Main Colour
Emerald Green
Secondary Colours
White and Orange
Design
Bold Chevron / Lightning Stripe
Crest
Pre-1987 Shamrock Shield
Collar
White V-Neck with Green and Orange Trim
Historical Status
Rejected National Team Design
Match-Worn Status
Not documented as worn by the senior national team
Rec. Player Printing Options
Printing Recommendation McGRATH 7 The standout defensive choice from the Italia ’90 generation. Paul McGrath wore No.7 at the World Cup and was one of the most important players in Jack Charlton’s Ireland side. HOUGHTON 8 One of the most recognisable choices from this Irish generation. Ray Houghton was a key member of the midfield and wore No.8 throughout the 1990 World Cup. ALDRIDGE 9 The classic centre-forward option. John Aldridge was Ireland’s established No.9 at Italia ’90 and started four of the team’s five matches during the historic quarter-final run. SHEEDY 11 An especially significant tournament choice. Kevin Sheedy scored Ireland’s goal in the 1–1 opening draw with England, becoming the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever World Cup goalscorer. STAUNTON 3 An excellent defensive choice. Steve Staunton was only 21 during Italia ’90 but started every match of Ireland’s historic World Cup campaign wearing No.3. WHELAN 6 A classic midfield option from one of Ireland’s most celebrated players of the era. Ronnie Whelan was registered as No.6 for the 1990 World Cup. TOWNSEND 13 A strong tournament-specific option. Andy Townsend became an important member of Charlton’s midfield and wore No.13 during Italia ’90. QUINN 17 A memorable attacking alternative. Niall Quinn wore No.17 and scored the crucial equaliser against the Netherlands that helped Ireland progress from the group. McGRATH 7 is one of the strongest and most historically meaningful printing choices for the Republic of Ireland 1990-92 Home Jersey.
Paul McGrath was a central figure in the team that made Irish football history at Italia ’90. His unusual No.7 shirt is particularly distinctive for a defender and is directly confirmed by Ireland’s official World Cup squad numbering. He featured throughout the tournament and even captained Ireland in the Round-of-16 victory over Romania.
For a printing tied to one specific historic moment, SHEEDY 11 is another outstanding option because Kevin Sheedy scored Ireland’s first World Cup goal against England. QUINN 17 also has a strong Italia ’90 connection through his goal against the Netherlands, while HOUGHTON 8 represents one of the most recognisable players of the wider Jack Charlton era.
