Irish band The Sultans of Ping and the Cork football supporters trust have united to launch a football jersey to raise funds for Down Syndrome Cork - Field of Dreams.
The Cork act, known for their hit singles Where's Me Jumper and Give Him a Ball (And A Yard of Grass), worked with FORAS (Friends of the Rebel Army Society) to create the limited edition O’Neill’s jersey, which is available via pre-order only.
The one-off jersey will not be available in shops and is available for pre-order here until Monday 20 October. Prices start at €39 for children and €49 for adult sizes.
The special edition jersey was released ahead of The Sultans of Pings’ sold-out show at Cork City Hall on Saturday, 25 October.
Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams is a branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. A horticultural site in Curraheen, the Field of Dreams specialises in further education, and preparation for entering the workplace.
Courses run from the Field of Dreams are designed specifically for adults to provide them with the skills and experience needed to reach their potential.
The striped shirt is Irish made in the green and red FORAS colours, emblazoned with The Sultans of Ping logo across the chest and an embroidered FORAS logo as its badge.
On the back of the shirt, the collar reads "City ‘til I die and beyond" - a tribute to the late John Kennedy, a FORAS stalwart who passed away five years ago. John’s daughter Grace was at the promotional photo shoot for the jersey in Coughlan’s Bar on Douglas Street in Cork.
The bottom of the shirt reads "A man can’t have no greater love…" - a nod to Give Him a Ball (And A Yard of Grass), the Sultans’ tribute to the beautiful game.
FORAS are no strangers to supporting good causes through unique jerseys. As then-owners of Cork City FC, the trust raised funds for the Mercy Hospital through a one-off blue jersey in 2018, and a year later supported Cork Pride with a special edition shirt that had the City crest and player numbering in rainbow colours.
"We wanted to launch a special edition shirt with a music crossover, and the Sultans were the obvious choice," said FORAS Chairman Darren O’Keeffe.
"Aside from the fact that one of the Sultans is a FORAS member, they are a band whose music and style has always reflected the common bonds shared between rock and football. It’s a great partnership between a Cork Supporters Trust, an iconic Cork band and all in aid of a wonderful Cork charity."
The Sultans of Ping released their debut album, Casual Sex in the Cineplex, in 1993 and the new jersey reflects their 'rock and football ethos'.
Speaking about the new jersey, FORAS member and Sultans’ drummer Morty McCarthy said, "I've always been known for wearing different jerseys in the band and we were really excited about the idea when the lads in FORAS reached out to me before the summer.
"From looking at early mock-ups to seeing the final jersey in the flesh, we couldn't be happier. With the upcoming gig at Cork City hall, the timing couldn't be better, and we are delighted that a Cork charity can benefit from this jersey too."
Debbie Kelleher, Care Coordinator at Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams, said: "We extend our sincere thanks to FORAS and The Sultans of Ping for their incredible support through this wonderful fundraiser in aid of Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams.
"As a self-funded charity with over 400 members across Cork city and county, we rely heavily on donations and creative fundraising initiatives like this, to continue delivering essential services to our community."
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