The Sultans of Ping and FORAS launch charity jersey
“A man can’t have no greater love than give 90 minutes to his friends”
- The Sultans of Ping and FORAS launch limited edition charity jersey, available via pre-order only.
- All proceeds to benefit Down Syndrome Cork – Field of Dreams.
- Launch comes ahead of sell-out Sultans gig at the end of the month.
- Set of photographs available at link below
Iconic punk rockers The Sultans of Ping have joined forces with Cork football supporters trust FORAS (Friends of the Rebel Army Society) to launch a limited edition O’Neill’s jersey, with all proceeds going to charity.
A one-off that will not be available in stores, The FORAS x Sultans O’Neill’s shirt is available for pre-order right now from forastrust.ie/sultans, but only until Monday October 20, after which no more orders will be accepted.
Neither FORAS nor The Sultans of Ping will be taking any proceeds from the sale of this unique collectors’ item. All money above the cost of production and delivery will go to Down Syndrome Cork- Field of Dreams.
The striped O’Neill’s shirt is Irish-made in the green and red FORAS colours, is 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 till I die and beyond” – a tribute to the late John Kennedy, a FORAS stalwart who we sadly lost five years ago.
John’s daughter Grace was on hand at the jersey unveiling in Coughlan’s Bar on Douglas Street.
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’ beloved rock tribute to the beautiful game.
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.
Paul Fitzgerald, a graduate of Field of Dreams models the special edition jersey at the unveiling.
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.
FORAS Chairman Darren O’Keeffe said teaming up with the Sultans was a no-brainer.
“We wanted to launch a special edition shirt with a music crossover, and the Sultans were the obvious choice,” he said.
“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.
“We want to give our sincere thanks to the band, who have been hugely enthusiastic about the idea, and to O’Neill’s, Coughlan’s Bar, and photographer Clare Keogh for their fantastic support for this cause.
“We really hope all Sultans fans and the people of Cork and beyond will get behind this and bag themselves a one-off collectors’ item in the process,” he said.
FORAS member and Sultans’ drummer Morty McCarthy shared O’Keeffe’s enthusiasm for this initiative.
“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,” he said.
Debbie Kelleher, Care Coordinator at Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams said:
“A heartfelt thank you from Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams.
“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.
“To everyone who purchases this limited edition charity jersey—thank you. Your generosity directly supports a great local Cork charity and helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members,” she said.
These limited edition jerseys are available to order now from forastrust.ie/sultans but only until Monday October 20. Prices start at €39 for children and €49 for adult sizes.
