Team Ireland reveals opening ceremony teamwear for the Paris Olympics

The Olympic Federation of Ireland revealed the Opening Ceremony wear for Team Ireland at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Designed by Laura Weber, a renowned Irish designer based in New York, the uniform is a blend of traditional and modern styles with the 100th anniversary of Team Ireland's participation in the Olympics.

The uniform for the Irish Olympic team consists of two blazers for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a t-shirt, shoes, and trousers options. Each suit includes national emblems and embellishments.

We’re delighted to reveal our Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony wear that will be worn by Team Ireland. pic.twitter.com/q3ciRHSDvh

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) April 9, 2024

"Sustainability is at the heart of the process," Weber explained. "The fabrics are made from recycled plastics with practical elements to ensure athletes stay cool in the heat. The sleeve is adorned with the embroidered county patch of each Olympian, artistically interpreted with beads, sequins and stones."
Additionally, there are four shamrocks in different embellishment techniques representing the four provinces of Ireland.

On the inside facing of each jacket, the name of the athlete is included in the embroidery. For the Closing Ceremony jacket, there is a strapping around the neck that forms a star to frame any medals won for comfort and photographs.

Weber stated, “I am so proud to represent and interpret Ireland’s identity on a global stage. I wanted our athletes to look amazing while they perform at their peak on behalf of Ireland. The Olympic uniforms were a story I wanted to tell for Ireland. Clothes change how you feel, and how you show up, and I wanted to make the best for our athletes. I want to thank every athlete, and the Olympic Federation of Ireland, for allowing me this opportunity to work with the team.”

Dublin-born designer Laura Weber has been based in New York since 2013 and has her own fashion atelier in the garment district. Weber is a prominent figure in the New York fashion industry and is renowned for her innovative and luxurious embellishments. #TeamIreland |… pic.twitter.com/MEGz2JHMnR

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) April 9, 2024

Gavin Noble, Chef de mission for Team Ireland, added, "Laura Weber is one of Ireland’s brightest talents in the fashion world, and it is very fitting that on our 100th year of competing at the Olympic Games that we work with someone who also represents the Best of Ireland."

Boxer Dean Clancy and Cyclist Lara Gillespie, both targeting their first Olympic Games, modelled the teamwear. Clancy expressed his excitement, saying, "Getting to see the Opening Ceremony outfits makes it very real." At the same time, Gillespie stated, "As athletes, we know that while we are representing Ireland on the biggest stage, so many people and communities have brought us here, and this is reflected by Laura in the design elements."

The Irish Olympic team will wear the uniform during the Opening Ceremony on July 26 at the Stade de France in Paris, marking the beginning of the 32nd Summer Olympics.

As the season draws near, Irish athletes seem ready for a promising summer, with several contenders in line for medals. Swimmer Daniel Wiffen is notable among them.

Read our interview with one of Ireland's most keenly watched sports stars, Daniel Wiffen here