Why do GAA clubs order crest patches?
Clubs use crest patches where printing is not practical or where they want something that lasts longer than a print. Common uses include:
- Club jackets, half-zips and rain jackets for players, mentors and members
- Gear bags and hurley bags
- Caps and beanies for supporters
- Fundraising: selling crest patches at the clubhouse or with a membership pack
- Anniversary and centenary pieces, county final and championship commemorations
A patch can also be moved from an old jacket to a new one, which printing cannot do.
Who can approve the use of a club crest?
A club crest belongs to the club, so ask the club secretary or committee to approve the patch order in writing, usually by email. That avoids disputes later and makes sure the latest version of the crest is used.
County crests and the GAA's own marks are protected and are normally used under licence. Only reproduce them when you have permission from the county board or relevant body. Irish Customized Patches will ask who owns the artwork when you order, and we only produce crests the customer confirms they have the right to use.
Which patch type suits a GAA crest?
| Crest style | Best patch type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bold crest, few colours, large club name | Embroidered | Classic raised finish, very durable on jackets and bags |
| Detailed crest, small Irish lettering, a castle or round tower drawing | Woven | Holds fine lines and text down to about 3 mm |
| Large crest for the back of a hoodie | Chenille with embroidered detail | Soft varsity texture, eye-catching at distance |
| Crest for wet-weather gear and kit bags | PVC | Waterproof and wipe-clean |
See your artwork as a custom Ireland patch before you buy. Free digital mockup in 12 hours — 5-piece minimum per design. We do not produce until you approve.
GET A FREE MOCKUPIf you are deciding between the first two, our comparison of embroidered vs woven patches goes into more detail.
What size should a GAA crest patch be?
- Jacket or training top chest: 7 to 9 cm tall - Cap front: 5 to 6 cm wide - Sleeve: 6 to 8 cm - Gear bag: 8 to 10 cm - Back of a hoodie or jacket: 20 to 25 cm, usually chenille or large embroidery
Crests with a lot of small text need a larger size, or woven construction, so the lettering stays readable. The patch size guide has more examples.
Getting club colours right
Club colours matter more on a crest than on almost any other patch. To get them right:
- Send Pantone (PMS) references if the club has them. Many clubs have them in a brand or jersey spec from their kit supplier.
- If not, send a photo of an official jersey in daylight. Screen colours vary, so a physical reference helps.
- Check the mockup on more than one screen if the colours are close, such as maroon and red or two shades of blue.
Thread colours are matched as closely as the material allows. We flag any colour that cannot be matched exactly on the mockup.
Irish lettering and fadas
Many crests carry the club name in Irish, a motto or a founding year. Every fada must be in the right place, and the old Gaelic script some crests use needs careful digitising so the letters remain recognisable. Check every word on the mockup letter by letter, and ask a club member who knows the crest well to check it too.
Ready to spec type, size, backing, and quantity? Open the quote form for a free 12-hour mockup and Ireland-wide shipping after approval.
GET A FREE MOCKUPUsing crest patches for fundraising
Crest patches make a simple fundraiser because they are light, cheap to post and appeal to past members and emigrants as well as current players. Our guide to fundraiser patches for clubs and charities covers pricing, quantities and selling online. For clubs abroad, see patches for Irish clubs overseas.
Patches or printed crests on club gear?
Printing is usually cheaper for large teamwear orders where the crest goes straight onto every garment. Patches suit smaller runs, mixed garments and pieces that need to last. Our article on teamwear patches vs printed crests compares the two.
What this guide is based on
This guide reflects how Irish Customized Patches handles crest orders for clubs across Ireland, from Kilkenny and Cork to Galway and Dublin: written approval from the club, a free mockup to check colours and Irish lettering, and production only after sign-off. Request a free crest mockup.