It’s all white on the night for umpires’ new clothes

THE GAA’s “men in white coats” won’t exactly become a thing of the past as their new kit remains predominantly white, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

As reported last month, umpires will ditch their butcher-like coats for the championships for more modern attire designed and produced by the Waterford-based sportswear firm Azzurri.

However, they will now be principally in white shirts and jackets.

“The GAA had been looking at providing umpires with a more trendy and different uniform,” said Azzurri’s John Molloy.

“The jacket will be white with a blue/turquoise trim.

“It’s a unique product, which we have had specially designed.”

Although the inspiration for the GAA’s move has come from the kit worn by Australian Rules’ umpires, Molloy insists any similarity with AFL style is purely coincidental.

Referees were last month furnished with new black, red and blue strips as part of a major makeover which will incorporate other officials in the coming weeks.