Classic Northern Ireland Soccer Jersey Archive

The Irish FA was founded in 1880 and continued to play as a unified team until 1920 when the coutry was partitioned into the Republic in the South, and Northern Ireland which remained part of the United Kingdom. As 'Ireland' they wore a deep shade of blue called 'St Patrick Blue' whilst their amatuer side wore green. However, in the 1930s the decision to change to green shirts was made to avoid the ongoing clash with Scotland shirts, with the side retaining the St Patrick Blue on their socks. When international football recommenced after WW2, FIFA insisted the Irish FA played as Northern Ireland and wear their own badge, not the Shamrock of the Republic.