This shirt was issued to Irish legend Paul McGrath for the 1990 World Cup Qualification match away to Malta on November 15th 1989 which Ireland won 2-0. It was the match that secured Ireland's place at their first ever World Cup Finals. It is a green, home, short-sleeved shirt and has been signed on the front by McGrath. The shirt was given as a gift to the person who the signature is dedicated to: his sister was married to one of McGrath's Aston Villa team mates which enabled him to meet and get to know McGrath. I have a letter of authenticity from him which confirms the shirt's provenance.

The reason I can be sure that this shirt was issued for the Malta fixture is because it is the Number 2 jersey; this was the only game Ireland played in this style of kit where McGrath was given that number. He can be seen below in a video still wearing a long-sleeved number 2 shirt. In this era, players were given two shirts per match: one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved. McGrath wore his long-sleeved top and swapped that at the final whistle with one of the Malta players.

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