The boys in the better kit

By Colm Shalvey

Glamour and hurling in the Celt region don’t always go hand in hand, but that Monaghan Harps Hurling Club have been in the spotlight this week as they launched their much-anticipated new jersey in collaboration with Irish rock band Fontaines D.C, stating that “the greatest band in the world meets the greatest sport in the world”.

Following plenty of social-media buzz, the stylish jersey went on sale online on Monday, with orders immediately flying in from near and far.

With a limited-edition run of 1,000 available, the Harps Hurling Club anticipate that they will sell out “fairly fast”.

The crossover follows previous collaborations between Fontaines and Dublin football club Bohemians, which sold in their thousands and raised money for Focus Ireland and Palestine Aid.

Fontaines D.C. guitarist Conor Curley played both hurling and Gaelic football and he told fellow Monaghan native Rachel Mae Hannon on RTÉ 2XM in 2024 that getting back on the hurling pitch was something he still hopes to make happen in future.

Curley gave a first glimpse of the new jersey on stage at the Roundhouse in London earlier this month, in the same week the Grammy-nominated band released their acclaimed fifth album, Dopamine Chamber. Following a commercial step-up in the wake of 2024’s Romance, Fontaines have announced major stadium and outdoor shows for their 2027 summer tour, including two nights at Slane Castle in June.

According to Monaghan Harps, the jersey represents a special connection with Curley, who previously played hurling with the local club.

Curley’s journey from the hurling fields of Monaghan to stages around the world provides a fitting link between the club and the band. The collaboration celebrates those local roots while helping to support the continued development of hurling at Monaghan Harps.

The fundraising initiative is set to generate vital funds for the Monaghan club, supporting its ongoing work in promoting hurling, developing players and providing opportunities for future generations to participate in the sport.

Monaghan Harps said the release is “about more than a jersey”. The club believe it is an opportunity to “celebrate the people and experiences that connect the club to the wider community, while investing in its future”.

Harp’s Secretary Niall McClave said: “This is a fantastic and unique fundraiser which has been organised by two of our players, Sean Conway and Cillian Sherry with huge amount of support from all our committee and members in general.

“Beyond raising funds for the club we hope that this will bring to light the amazing work being done by our members and coaches in providing an opportunity for the people of Monaghan to partake in our national games.”

Monaghan Harps hopes this new jersey will appeal to members, former players, the wider Monaghan community, GAA supporters and Fontaines D.C. fans alike.

Priced €80, the jersey is available through links on the club’s social media pages.