Dublin Port celebrated the re-brand of Dublin Port Stadium and launch of the new Stella Maris jersey by inviting club legends to present the young players with their new shirts.
This community initiative is part of Dublin Port’s recent strategic re-brand led by Ringers
Community is a key pillar for Dublin Port, which has been a long-term supporter of Stella Maris. A club that has produced more than its fair share of Irish footballing legends, from John Giles through to Troy Parrot and Stephanie Roche.
The young players thought they were just turning up to collect their new shirts. But ex-Stella legends Áine O’Gorman and Keith Andrews were there to surprise them and remind the young players what it means to wear the Stella jersey. The coaches provide an environment of stability, safety and support for each child that comes through their gates. Their focus on building a supportive culture is the reason they have produced so many Irish Internationals and leaders across Irish and English football.
Áine began in Stella as an 8 yr old and has won 119 caps for Ireland and is currently an RTE soccer pundit. Keith had a similar start and went on to play for Ireland, multiple premier league teams and is currently one of the most celebrated managers in the Premier League.
They are both central to the emotional film, produced by The Coop, which sees the young players being told that they can go anywhere and achieve anything they want to with the support and training they will receive at Stella Maris. Keith speaks directly to the next generation, about joy, hard work, family support and why some jerseys stay with you for life.
“It’s a privilege for the Ringers team to be able to celebrate this special Dublin Port partnership. Stella Maris doesn’t just produce good footballers, it is proud to produce good people. We have defined Dublin Port as The Hardworking Heart of Dublin and once we met the Stella coaches and heard their story, it became clear they were the hardworking heart of Dublin football.” Said Kathleen Healy of Ringers
“Dublin Port works with many sports, education, and community groups in our immediate vicinity. We are delighted to build on our partnership with Stella Maris because when a child pulls on a Stella jersey, they follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest Irish footballers. And they follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest people in their community. They learn to believe they can achieve anything they set their mind to and become whatever they want. So we’re delighted to shine a light on this hugely positive club, based so close to Dublin Port” said Claire Percy Head of External Affairs at Dublin Port.
