Boxer Kenneth Egan said he loves his stone washed denim jacket despite being laughed at by fellow RTE commentators.
Kenneth sported his trade mark jacket on the network during RTE’s coverage of Irish boxing at the London Olympic Games.
The retired boxer said his colourful jackets became a huge talking point during the coverage and gave RTE presenters a good laugh throughout the games.
According to The Irish Sun Kenneth said: “When I walked into RTE on the first day, I had my stone washed jacket on and all the staff thought I was taking the p*ss.”
The stone washed denim jacket became a Twitter sensation and many people questioned Kenneth’s fashion sense.
Soon, ‘The Kenny Egan Jacket Appreciation Page’ popped up on Facebook and so far has gained over 10,000 likes.
‘The Kenny Egan Jacket Appreciation Page’ on Facebook
“Afterwards Twitter was just exploding with people asking ‘What is Kenny Egan wearing?’ I actually bought the jacket a few months ago – in Brown Thomas – thinking it was a nice piece of fashion. I honestly think it’s a nice jacket,” said Kenneth.
After much deliberation, Kenneth decided to auction the jacket for Temple Street Children’s Hospital and the piece raised €5,000.
The piece was picked up by Foleys Antiques in County Kildare and spokesperson Caroline Eilkinson said the company is delighted with their purchase.
“We’re planning to display the jacket in the shop.
Kenny’s stone washed denim jacket became a talking point during the Olympics
“We already have some sports memorabilia, including gloves signed by boxers Joe Frazier and Evander Holyfield so we’ll put the jacket with them.
“It was a great day. We all dressed up in denim jackets for the occasion but Kenneth then turned up in his cut off denim shorts.
“They were a big hit so he’ll probably have to auction them off too,” she said.
Despite the media frenzy about Kenneth’s fashion sense, the retired boxer said he won’t be following in the footsteps of Kerry fashionista Paul Galvin.
Kenneth said: “When I wake up I just wear whatever is looking at me.”
The boxer’s brother is due to marry in the upcoming months and Her.ie thinks Kenny might be tempted to purchase another denim jacket for the occasion.
