17 April 2007

45,000 NI shirts sold in one year

Northern Ireland home and away shirts have literally been flying off the rails – in 12 months over 45,000 shirts have been sold.

The success currently being enjoyed on the pitch by the Northern Ireland team is reflected off the pitch in the sale of shirts and both the IFA and JJB are delighted by the sales figures.

Geoff Wilson, the IFA’s Head of Marketing and Communications said: “Football in Northern Ireland is currently enjoying good times both on and off the pitch – the team is currently sitting at the top of their group in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and we are delighted to announce that over 45,000 home and away shirts have been sold in the past 12 months.

“This is excellent news for football in Northern Ireland and the number of shirt sales is a clear reflection of the fantastic job being done by Lawrie Sanchez and his team.”

Steve Marsters, Sports Sponsorship Director for JJB, added: “JJB are delighted to announce the success of the sales of the current home and away kits. Both of these strips were launched during the first half of 2006 and JJB have seen progressive sales throughout the past 12 months.

“The reason has undoubtedly been down to the fantastic and successful Euro 2008 campaign that we have seen since September last year. The whole market of Northern Ireland merchandise has grown to the highest level that we have ever seen and could have expected with sales in excess of 45,000 shirts and this will continue to increase as we approach the next home international fixture against Liechtenstein in August.”

(JM/KMcA)