Wexford GAA launch commemorative jersey to mark 130th anniversary of first All-Ireland success
Wexford GAA has today unveiled a new commemorative jersey to celebrate Wexford’s first All-Ireland success, one hundred and thirty years ago. The jersey is in honour of that worn by Selskar Young Irelands, who defeated Dromtariffe from Cork in 1893. The jersey is in the shade of green worn on the day and contains the Selskar Young Irelands crest on the back. The Young Irelands jersey was one of several worn by teams representing Wexford in the early years of the GAA, before the iconic purple and gold jerseys were first used in 1913 as Wexford began an era of national football dominance.
The new jersey, designed and manufactured in cosllaboration with O’Neills, carries the Zurich Insurance logo as part of the county’s current four-year sponsorship deal on the front and back of the jersey. The jersey also carries the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) logo on its sleeves. TYF is the positive mental health and wellbeing initiative funded by the Zurich Foundation in partnership with Zurich Ireland and run by Rugby Players Ireland.
The jersey will be worn by the men’s teams in football and hurling on a once off occasion in early 2023. The jersey goes on general sale from the 6th of December from www.oneills.com and Wexford GAA’s retail partner, Hore’s Stores.
Commenting on the launch of the new commemorative jersey, Chairman of Wexford GAA, Micheál Martin said: “The recently launched Selskar 18 book brought the story of the Young Irelands to life. They were iconic players who lived through seismic times to shape a new generation. This team set the scene for the Wexford football team who created an era of dominance twenty years later. Wexford GAA is proud to remember our history and our heritage, while looking forward to creating our own historic moment in January 2023 when we turn on the floodlights in Chadwicks Wexford Park, which is only a puck of a ball from where these young men lived.
“We are hugely appreciative for the ongoing support of our title sponsor Zurich Insurance with whom we have created an excellent partnership, and the Tackle Your Feelings initiative which creates a perfect synergy with our strategic aim to focus on the holistic development of our players.”
Anthony Brennan, CEO of Zurich Ireland, commented: “This commemorative jersey reminds us of a monumental time in Wexford GAA’s history with the Young Irelands. As Wexford GAA’s sponsors, we are very proud of everything Wexford GAA has accomplished over the many years since its establishment. We are also especially proud of the strong relationship we have built up with the Wexford GAA community. Our sponsorship with Wexford GAA continues to reflect our values as a long-standing proud member of the Wexford business community and is consistent with Zurich’s long-term association with grass roots sport in Ireland.”
About Zurich Insurance
Zurich is one of Ireland’s leading insurance companies providing a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services. The company employs over 1,100 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford. Zurich has operated in Wexford since 2008 and now employees over 260 people at its Centre of Excellence in Drinagh, Wexford.
Zurich in Ireland is part of Zurich Insurance Group a leading multi-line insurer serving more than 55 million customers – both people and businesses – in more than 210 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, the Group is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, it is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience. The Group has about 56,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
About Tackle Your Feelings
Tackle Your Feelings is an innovative and unique approach to breaking down stigma around emotional wellbeing. Built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion, the campaign encompasses the whole island of Ireland and features some of Ireland’s most loved rugby players leading from the front, opening up about their own mental wellbeing challenges and the strategies they used to overcome them, so that people of Ireland can follow their lead.
Since its launch in 2016, Tackle Your Feelings has impacted the lives of people all over the world, with campaign content being viewed in excess of 23 million times. TYF has motivated people to be more proactive when it comes to looking after their mental wellbeing and has increased awareness around the importance of taking care of your mental health. TYF has also reached international audiences and has inspired similar campaigns across the globe, including; The English Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), ‘Lift the Weight’ campaign, New Zealand Rugby’s ‘HeadFirst’ campaign and Tackle Your Feelings Australia, a collaboration between Zurich Australia, the AFLPA and AFLCA.
For more information on Tackle Your Feelings follow the Instagram account @tyf or visit the website www.tackleyourfeelings.com which will share videos, updates on events and competitions.
