Designing the New Galway United 2017 Home Kit

Designing the new Galway United Home kit for 2017 began as early as mid 2016. My initial starting point was my wish to bring back a clean white v-neck and pin stripe design, similar to the Galway United 1985 kit (pictured below). 

I tested and abandoned a number of pin stripe options but inspiration truly came in September, when I had the opportunity to photograph Galway Hookers in the Claddagh. I have always had a strong love for the Galway Hooker and I'm immensely proud of the great restorative work being done by the Claddagh Boat Men and the Galway Hooker Association, both of which were an immense help during the process of this project.

The stitching pattern in the burgundy canvas sails in particular caught my eye, its a detail you can only truly appreciate up close with the boats. The burgundy pinstripe, in contrast to deep black of the tarred hull with the bold stripe dividing the two is a breathtaking image, and immediately reminded me of one of Galway United most historic of kits circa 1999 (See below)

Using the Galway Hooker as the base for the whole design I started from scratch and this is the final design sent to Germany to be produced by the excellent team in Uhlsport. 

A couple of details to note.

• The subtle pinstripe inspired directly by the intricately stitched burgundy sails of Galway Hookers.

• The Galway Hooker silhouette below the collar, an internationally recognised symbol for the city and county of Galway.

• The bold horizontal white and black stripes which recreate the distinctive look of the striped black tarred hull when coupled with black playing shorts.

• Incorporating our native language wherever possible is of the utmost importance to the club, and the inclusion of the final detail, the text Spioraid Na Gaillimhe on the hem of the shirt. The spirit of the people of Galway city and county is unrivalled and the key to our success as one of the most friendly and culturally diverse places in the world to live and visit.

I hope fans enjoy the shirt and appreciate the exceptional quality and competitive pricing offered by our technical sponsors Uhlsport. A special thank you to Peter Carpenter of Team Sport, and Mike Daly from the Club whom I worked closely with over the course of the designing the new kit. The teams in Uhlsport UK and Germany who created another high quality product. I would also like to thank Sean Mannion of the Galway Hooker Association for the use of his beautiful Hooker photographs as featured in the teaser campaign. All the members of the Claddagh Boat Men who were exceptionally welcoming to all of us during the photo-shoot. Bernie O'Connell and Sean Flaherty guidance in terms of incorporating the Irish Language text.