The Olympic Federation of Ireland –OFI– has confirmed the extension of its partnership with McKeever Sports, under which the Northern Irish brand will continue to outfit national teams across youth and senior Olympic competitions until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. This long-term commitment brings stability and enables Ireland to plan its visual identity across three Olympic cycles, reinforcing its institutional presence on the global stage.

The relationship, first established in 2019, has been defined by an athlete-centered approach. Irish athletes play an active role in every stage of the design process, while the Craigavon-based factory produces bespoke garments that reflect the team’s national Olympic identity. This model ensures that athletes compete in kit designed and manufactured at home, strengthening national pride and linking local industry to the Olympic movement.

A long-term strategic agreement for Irish Olympism

The partnership model between the OFI and McKeever Sports reflects a growing trend of long-term agreements within the Olympic landscape, designed to guarantee stability, identity, and continuity for national teams. Renewing the deal through 2032 places Ireland in a strong position, securing a technical partner capable of adapting to athletes’ needs well in advance. This week, Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen took part in a trial at the Craigavon facility, where he designed his own jersey to demonstrate the personalized process.

Founded in 2004 by Padraic McKeever, the company has grown from a small home office into a production hub capable of manufacturing up to 2,000 garments per week, employing more than 90 people in Craigavon. Beyond strengthening the OFI, the extension of this agreement also delivers a positive economic impact for the region, directly connecting local production with the Olympic projection of Ireland.

Officials underline the impact of the partnership

“It is an immense honor for us to dress Team Ireland through to Brisbane 2032. As a brand with deep roots in Craigavon, we take great pride in ensuring our athletes feel both comfortable and inspired in their kit,” said Padraic McKeever, founder of McKVR. His words highlight a model in which athletes are listened to, and where kit design goes beyond aesthetics to become part of athletic performance.

Team Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard emphasized the value of this athlete-first mindset: “What makes this partnership so valuable is McKVR’s commitment to the athletes. They listen, adapt, and work closely with us to make sure every item of kit supports performance, comfort, and pride.” For the OFI, this partnership ensures that the kit also becomes a source of psychological support and collective identity at the Olympic Games.

Continuity through Paris, Los Angeles, and Brisbane

OFI Commercial Director Catherine Tiernan highlighted the importance of long-term partners: “Having meaningful, enduring partners who genuinely care about our athletes is fundamental. Since 2019, McKVR has consistently shown that commitment, and we are delighted to extend this journey with them through to 2032.” Her statement underlines the value of maintaining reliable partners who project the Ireland brand consistently across multiple Olympic cycles.

The renewal of this partnership reinforces the OFI’s commitment to providing Irish athletes with comprehensive support both on and off the field of play in the lead-up to the next Olympic cycles: Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028, and Brisbane 2032. It consolidates a framework of continuity that offers security to both athletes and the federation as they prepare for future challenges in the Olympic agenda.