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Ireland gets a new logo — you could call it a lucky charm

Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to inform you of the unthinkable, the impossible, the never-before-seen result of crest rebrand done right — the Football Association of Ireland has shocked the planet.

It always helps when your old badge is entirely forgettable, and that's what Ireland previously had with a soccer ball that had some Celtic flair. It wasn't the worst, but it was a pretty heavy-handed "we're a soccer team" logo. 

Ireland old crest

The old crest.

But now, with Saint Patrick's Day right around the corner, the FAI (not exactly renowned for its decision making) has absolutely nailed a new visual identity for its national teams.

New Ireland crest 2023

UEFA's probably trying to fine Ireland for using the shamrock as we speak.

The United States will get a first-hand look at the new badge in April when the USWNT hosts Ireland in a pair of friendlies. The Girls in Green just secured qualification for their first-ever World Cup finals appearance, bringing some welcome success to a program that hasn't qualified for the men's tournament since 2002.

The men's team also faces mission impossible in reaching Euro 2024. They've been drawn in a qualifying group with France, the Netherlands and Greece (only the top two reach Germany), and they can't qualify through the playoffs after finishing third in 2022-23 UEFA Nations League Group B1.

All hope rests on Diego Simeone turning Matt Doherty into João Cancelo.

Irish shamrock

"Go forth and put France to the sword, Chiedozie Ogbene."

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