Digital programme sponsor profile: Irish Iron

Scunthorpe United welcome Irish Iron as digital programme sponsors for our latest home league game against Blyth Spartans.

In 1994-95 Scunthorpe United supporter founder member Bernard Griffin from Donegal asked Don Rowing, the Chief Executive at the time, for permission to set up an Irish Supporters Club, and to use the club crest on their merchandise. In return every penny the supporters group raised goes back to the club as sponsorship. 

The first player sponsorship for 1995-96 was Alan Knill’s socks (at a cost of £10), and Irish Iron (Bernard) sponsored the match ball against Northampton Town on October  15, 1996.

Irish Iron was sole member Bernard until Ben (his son) was born in 1998. Within 15 minutes of his birth he had rung Scunthorpe United to enrol him as a member. The local and then the national papers got wind of this and he was interviewed by national radio which resulted in people getting in touch to join Irish Iron, which grew from then on.

Membership is not limited to just those who live in Ireland, since those early days Irish Iron have sponsored matches, match balls and lots of players kits since then as well as donating to charities like Help for Heroes and others. We have had members all over the world over the years, Peru, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Spain, and Germany.

You don’t have to be Irish to join, a healthy love of all things Iron is all that’s required!

On March 14, 2015 Scunthorpe United became the first British club to wear and dedicate a special green kit to an overseas supporters club. It was worn in the home game against Sheffield United to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Irish Iron.

2024-25 membership is now available for just £10 and includes a number of goodies, and free raffle entries to be in with a chance of winning player match worn kit from the season.

We hope Bernard and his guests have a fantastic day with us, and thank them for their continued support.