83 Comments

• Ren0o | Apr 09, 2012, 11:08 PM EDT

  Look your the one making up stuff, you know one line from a song and suddenly your an expert on its origins. so go do your study and you will see that is not an IRA song. I speak Irish, I know what it means. You clearly don't. what you have up there is a breakaway group, no relation, they stole the name and I never said the Irish invented rugby but it is very close to what our ancestos played, long long before web ellis, that's a fact. and again why its so popular in celtic nations, Ireland, wales, scotland, france. Almost everybody in new world country's are emigrants, could say the same thing to any european country, land swaps hands thousands of time, I think the Prodestants should be here and they've made great contributions to Irish society from WB.Yates to Arthur Guinness and the biggest irony of all, the founder and father of Irish republicanism "Wolfe Tone", rebellion leaders such as Robert Emmet, their the original republicans, the British themselves see all Northern Irish people as "Irish" and throughout the years polls have shown majority support for being rid of it once and for all but just chewing fat really. Doubt it will ever happen, too many crakcpots like you, polarised to a certain view and unable to see the bigger picture. As for the song, they play the Irish national anthem at Irish rugby games, in the irish capital, so what, big deal. If Belfast was the largest city on the island, and all the players and good rugby came from Ulster and 85% of the islands population was unionists (me being in the minority) and they player orange sash or whatever your song along side the real and official rugby anthem that represents both community's, well honestly I wouldn't give a damn. Get over it! it just so happens to be the opposite way around but who cares, if would stop you guys whinging then they probably should change it, but it would be something new a week later im sure, your obviously just racist, no point saying anymore.

• allan07 | Apr 05, 2012, 03:30 PM EDT

  @Ren0o Rugby was invented in Rugby England by Webb-Ellis hence the name of Rugby World cup. I think your trying to change the facts and the events of history in the process. Alot of nationalist do that. They quote that the protestants shouldnt be in Ireland so why are you in New Zealand? Should there be any Irish in America as its been the land of the Native Red Indians for 10,000 years. So in effect the Irish have stolen their land. They have done to the Native Reds Indians which they claim was done to them by the British. The Irish speak with fork tongue as the Native Red Indians would say. Then theres Glasgow a lot of Irish there stealing the land and jobs from the Scottish, then theres Liverpool, Manchester and London. Lots of Irish there stealing the land and jobs of the English. I am afraid your wrong "the soldiers song" is a IRA song. "Soldiers are we born to be free". It is unacceptable to say that it doesnt matter. It truly does. Its a disgrace to say so. So when players from Northern Ireland are in the Ireland team do you think it acceptable to play it. NO it is not. Lets play in Belfast and play the sash or even a UDA/UVF song and lets see if the free staters will be happy. I bet you they would not. The Catholic Church invented Gaelic sports but the truth is no-one else in the world would play them. They have no interest or value and therefore a waste of time and energy. Thats why the Irish play British sports like Cricket, Rugby and Football.

• Ren0o | Apr 05, 2012, 09:42 AM EDT

  well allan thats just childish, no point responding to most of it but I will say "amhrainn na bhfiann" is not an IRA song, no point going into specifics but its nothing got to do with the IRA and a lot of what they did up North was evil, we'd be the first to admit that, they have no support from us, but it takes two to tango and everybody has blood on their hands, no doubt about that, as for rugby, the England game was just a bad day, that's sports, they've been smashing England nonstop in recent years, its an International sport and historians reckon rugby was much closer to the sports the ancient celts in Ireland played more so than gaelic football or hurling ever were, believe it or not, which would explain its popularity in the Celtic nations, Leinster and Munster are European and therefore Northern Hemisphere club champions four out of the last six years, Their up there with the best in the world, most experts agree, I live in New Zealand and even the Kiwi's respect Munster rugby and think their the only formidable club side in all the Northern Hemisphere, Ulster won one heineken cup 13 years ago, their useless now but your right about one thing, they will come round and I really hope they do and wish them the best, as fan of Irish rugby, Its good for all of us, be nice :)

• gallchobhair | Apr 01, 2012, 07:04 PM EDT

  Hey, I got a really great idea for Nike's next release; they can time it for the Jewish holidays next September: The Gestapo line of fire-proof sneakers...it will fit right in with the "Black and Tan" line on St. Paddy's Day

• allan07 | Mar 21, 2012, 04:40 PM EDT

  Ren0o - Ulster Rugby is hopeless you say. England 30 Ireland 9 in the Rugby at the weekend. Whos crowing now? I think you mean Irish Rugby is hopeless. We in Northern Ireland should have our own Rugby team just like the Footy. Leinster and Munster Rugby were hopeless last weekend and an embrassment to Northern Ireland. Of course its easy to forget that the Ulster Rugby team won the European title a few year ago. Everything goes in circles and we will be back. In any event I think Leinster and Munster should stick to the GAA sports as why do they want to play a FOREIGN sport? A sport invented by the British. Seems a sad thing to do after inventing GAA sports. Where is the logic in saying that the soldiers song is only played a 1/3 of the time. Well thats alright then. NO its not. If you insult someone 33.3% of the time it doesnt make it right. Go on try it. Insult your next door neighbour every 1/3 day and see if he will be on speaking terms after a few months. I very much doubt it. The Republic of Irelands National Anthem is a terrorist song and offensive to the Protestant community in Northern or Southern Ireland. Simples to anyone with a titter of common sense.

• allan07 | Mar 16, 2012, 04:11 PM EDT

  I have just written 2 comments neither of which will probably get posted. Irish Central are experts at removing everything which disputes their own bigotary and republician views. I ask the question how many reporters or members of staff whom work for Irish Central are from the protestant community and from Northern Ireland. I bet you None or even Zip. Irish Central = Bigotary and propaganda.

• allan07 | Mar 16, 2012, 04:04 PM EDT

  I know a lot of so called religious people who leave Roman Catholic mass after been forgiven for their sins who go to the pub afterwards. They get full then go home to the wife. If dinner isnt ready and on the table the wife gets 10 bells of S**t kicked out of her. Good Irish Catholic values. Full of double standards and wrongdoing. Hardly the behaviour of saints or scholars. Fools and idiots more like.

• allan07 | Mar 16, 2012, 04:00 PM EDT

  Yertfac - Oh what misguided view you have of life. The Irish National Anthem is a terrorist song. An IRA song is a terrorist song. To not accept that is like saying an al-Qaeda song is not offensive to New Yorkers at ground zero. After all the splinter group who planted a bomb in my home town Omagh in 1998 were supporters of terror. Do you call that freedom. No they were murderers. Indeed they left blood everywhere. Perhaps this is the trial of blood you refer to but i doubt it. The Irish are the biggest stealers of assets everywhere they go. They think they are great but they are fools. They stole the land from the Native North Amercian Indians whilst claiming that the British stole their land. So its ok for them to go to US and steal the assets of the people whom have lived there for 10,000 year. I dont think so. If Ireland was was good why is it broke? The British had to bale your failed state out recently. So you shouldnt bite of the hand that feeds you. As for Nike trainers I think they should make a variety of different colours. Orange ones for the Unionist community, Forty shades of Green for the Nationalist, Dark Green/Fenian Green for the Deep Nationalists and Republians, Mainly Black ones white tops to look like nuns for the catholic religious people, Mainly white ones with a black top to look like Dog Collars for the religious protestant people. Everyone catered for? Problem solved.

• shredder | Mar 15, 2012, 06:01 PM EDT

  Why are we becoming so damned thin skinned about the name of a pair of shoes? We all get what the Black and Tan's were. The shoes have nothing to do with them. We don't have to follow the the feined sufferings of black and hispanic minorities in the U.S. Where is your pride? You're bigger than that. You've overcome, adapted. Now move on. Anyone who looks at the shoes and hear 'Black and Tan' immediately see black and tan shoes. Except me...I thought of the Black and Tan 'Coon Hound...but that's me. Please don't become one of the self serving, pity thyself, minorities that we have to deal with on an everyday basis. Show some self respect!

• cattcru | Mar 15, 2012, 04:51 PM EDT

  My father was Italian, my Mom Irish. I am an American who is proud of all my heritage. I apologize for my ignorance concerning the evil that was the Black and Tan. Nevertheless, I'd like to know if anyone has gone after the ice cream parlors that regularly offer black and tan ice cream sundaes. Countless people have already spent countless hours pounding on this. Time to move on.

• hillb2 | Mar 14, 2012, 10:05 PM EDT

  This irks me to no end. Since when was ignorance of the history of a people acceptable as an excuse? I think we Americans have let negative commentary about the Irish ride for far too long. I am A. not an alcoholic B. not currently drunk. C. not a bomb weilding maniac D. beaten by my spouse or E. planning on having even 1 child nevermind 8 of them. I can have some good hearted laughter at my stereotype but it has gotten out of control here in the states. I don't do it to others and I would appreciate it not constantly being done to me right around the 17th of March every stinkin' year.

• leota | Mar 14, 2012, 03:04 PM EDT

  I have been wondering for years why the hell we (at least in U.S.) have a drink commemorating this evil group! I agree with one comment comparing it to naming a drink after the KKK. How would this go down? I say call attention to who the Black & Tans were every time someone orders one (ironically - these people often seem to think it is a very "Irish" thing to drinkN - I do my best -even though I get some disgusted looks. Needs to be done!

• Yerffac | Mar 14, 2012, 11:35 AM EDT

  Who are your people? What is wrong with you? The Black and Tans were let out of Britain's prisons as one last gasp to grind the Irish into the ground. You are stupid and ignorant. So is Nike. The black & tans terrorized the ordinary people of Ireland. They roamed the countryside like maurdering wild dogs. My grandmother told me a gang of them came by her house after she had baked the family bread for the week (no Wonder Bread in those daya) and as was common put it out on the window sill to cool. A gang of b&Ts came around and just took her bread, and laughed right in front of her. When another woman down the road protested their stealing her food, they came back the next day, dragged out her husband and beat him nearly to death. Lovely people they were. As for the national anthem it is not a "Terrorist" song. "Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland..." It is a freedom song from the worst terrorists in the world, the Brits. They left a trail of blood everywhere they occupied. Glad their damn empire is is in tatters. They need to get over themselves.

• Ren0o | Mar 14, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT

  A bit over the top Alan 07. Keep in mind its only played at home games so with Ireland's call, only one third of the time. Also keep in mind that it represents over 80% of the islands population, is sung in the native language of the island we all share and represents almost all of the players, because, to be honest, ulster rugby is hopeless while Munster and Leinster are arguably the best club sides in the Northern hemisphere. By all right, they could just use the country's national anthem but instead the official rugby anthem has been adopted as Irelands call, for the very concerns you've just expressed. Don't really see the issue and having been consistently going to some of the games in Dublin I've actually started to notice the crowd singing Ireland's call louder even tough its not their anthem and most think its a pretty dumb song. Personally, I think the all-island rugby team is great and its one tradition we can both proudly share with each other, hopefully in the future with some decent contributions from the northys cause we need young blood and the next world cups in England

• hotdubliner | Mar 14, 2012, 03:49 AM EDT

  @allan 07. Hand on my heart Allan, I say to you in all sincerity, I long for the day when there isn't a song, or a saying or, for that matter, a shoe, that will offend, hurt or outrage any Irish person, north or south of the border. Those days have to be over! We have so much more in common than any issue, be it religion, ideology, whatever...than anything that could separate us. When we let go of fear, magic happens! You are my Irish brother, and in this new peace, which came with such a price to all of us, I hope you will open your heart and know that we all have to let the past stay in the past. We raise our children in the same land, on the same soil, with a love for the same country. They are our legacy. I wish you well, Allan, and I hope for all of us the hurt will end and we can live in peace and harmony....as we were always meant to. Peace & Blessings

• CommonSense01 | Mar 13, 2012, 08:15 PM EDT

  Please, this whole thing is soooo stupid. Nike and the vast, vast majority of America are not offending anyone by referring to these shoes as Black and Tan. Only about fifty percent of adults would even realize it refers or could refer to the drink. Get over yourselves. It is an obscure reference and not meant to be taken in any way as the SHOE IS COLORED BLACK AND TAN YOU DOLTS. It is a name based on the colors. You are stretching sooooooo far to look for offense in this and Nike would get my respect if they said - "Please shut up, we make hundreds of varieties of shoes and there are only so many names we could come up with. If you look hard enough, you can find some obscure reference to something horrible in just about every name you come up with." Did you ever think that maybe some of the reason the hatred and stupidity continues in places like Ireland is that people cannot get over themselves and leave the hate behind? Really, drop the stupidity and stop trying to say there was some plot for Nike to offend anyone. What a stupid idea. Like a major corporation like Nike has some grievance over some obscure part of Irish history and the troubles and wants to get their 'revenge' by naming a shoe a certain way???? Yeah, and probably 90 percent of the USA population will never see this shoe, wear it or even know it exists. They make a bunch of different shoes and this is not some major sports shoe or main line item. Please. What a controversy over nothing.

• allan07 | Mar 13, 2012, 04:32 PM EDT

  I am outraged at the Republic of Irelands National Anthem. After all its called the soldiers song and a IRA song. So why play a terrorist song at a rugby match and then claim its all fair and ok. Its not when the victims of Northern Irelands troubles are about to match a game of rugby. Its a bit like playing a Nazi song to Jews. Why cant the bigots see that I cannot understand. Of course its not talked about. The protestant community in Northern Ireland are enraged by this ongoing bigotary behaviour. A few may say that the song "Irelands call" is also played. Well that doesnt make it right. First insult the protestant community and then play a second song. It will never be right until the IRA song is no longer used as a National Anthem. Its a bit like playing "The Sash my father wore" at a GAA match. (Of course we would play Irelands calling afterwards just to be fair).

• hotdubliner | Mar 13, 2012, 03:55 PM EDT

  I say wear them proudly! The only place a "Black and Tan" belongs is underfoot! Every time you kick a ball or pound them down by dancing them into the ground, hold that vision of divine retribution finally having its day! Purely symbolic, of course!

• Gearoid71 | Mar 13, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT

  Being Irish and having heard all from my grandparents I can imagine that some people are somewhat perturbed by this but, there was no intent to offend and one should treat this as such, an inoffensive, silly, mistake. I actually think it's funny, really; watching all the 'hubbub' about nothing! The 'Tans were beaten and are long gone. But, please don't belittle what happened then (another issue entirely)as it was organised murder, and that is not at all funny. I bet they'll be popular with the Orangeboys ;-)

• johnymac60 | Mar 13, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT

  I actually don't think the shoes look so bad...just sayin'. Anyway, yes Nike should have done a little more market research on this. But it's in poor taste rather than overtly offensive. If they have any PR skill at all they could pull this one out of the fire. Maybe a nice little Irish flag - partnership with Guinness and Smithwicks - free shoes for Irish dudes, etc. etc. BTW, a Black and Tan drink and a Half and Half are different drinks. Good Luck.

• IrishHeartDance | Mar 13, 2012, 09:47 AM EDT

  Ug.

• modalaigh | Mar 12, 2012, 10:27 AM EDT

  Personally, I'd be a lot more concerned over all this if the sneakers shot at you after you put them on.

• iriishgirl | Mar 12, 2012, 08:13 AM EDT

  What a disgrace. I have already written to Nike regarding the issue. And for any of you that don't really understand how horrific this is to the Irish people - watch a movie called "The Wind that Shakes the Barley". Several of the scenes played out in that movie were commonplace during the invasion of the Black and Tans in Ireland.

• Ballyphehane1 | Mar 12, 2012, 12:28 AM EDT

  Pebbles - I agree with you - they are kind of ugly. My bet is we'll see these in the outlet shop in Killarney before too long - they probably won't do too well in the main shops - they are kind of ugly... And, can we all just take a chill pill please... They are only shoes.

• richard cahill | Mar 11, 2012, 06:12 PM EDT

  Getting offended by this item suggests that one has a self-esteem issue.

• Mccusk | Mar 11, 2012, 05:49 PM EDT

  I remain unoutraged.

• richard cahill | Mar 11, 2012, 05:44 PM EDT

  Madeleine, Slow down. Allow your brain to engage before you allow your mouth to run! My note was to the effect that we should get our priorities right. Two colour juxtaposed should enrage a nation??? Surely that is the position of extremism.

• Madra10 | Mar 11, 2012, 04:57 PM EDT

  Disgraceful! Celebrate a group that took an innocent man out to the fields and shoot him since they couldn't find his brother. He was working the farm in Strokestown, Roscommon for his blind uncle and widowed mother. His uncle begged them to take him instead but they didn't listen. If you don't believe this check the plaque honoring Michael in the church in Strokestown!

• pebbles78623 | Mar 11, 2012, 03:27 PM EDT

  Oh, and as for those who made a comment about the "Black and Tan" drink. Well, from what I understand that actually originated in Britain. I've never heard a true Irishman order one of those, (and yes I know quite a few). Sure they serve them in alot of the pubs, because that is what the tourist want. Every Irishman I know when ordering a drink similiar to that has the good sense to call it a 'half and half".

• pebbles78623 | Mar 11, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT

  Okay, so obviously NIKE doesn't bother doing it's research You can name it a Black and Tan, but if they are seriously doing it to be released for St. Patrick's day, well that's like a slap in the face to the Irish. But I wouldn't worry too much this shoe is flat out ugly probably won't last long.

• Towngate | Mar 11, 2012, 02:40 PM EDT

  Psssst! James! As if your post wasn't bad enough, your glorious leader Niall has taken it Hostage and has hacked it out as his own! ! ! Jolly bad show,what-what?

• citizen69 | Mar 11, 2012, 02:20 PM EDT

  @Barneyjo: Well said. Irish Central barely raise an eyebrow at a drink called an Irish Car Bomb but a drink called Black & Tan now that's different. Even though that drink existed long before the Black & Tans paramilitary unit. Hmmm, I wonder why that could be??

• barneyjo | Mar 11, 2012, 01:28 PM EDT

  You know what?? I find it striking that there wasnt the same level of anxiety shown when people flagged the "Irish Bomb" cocktail as an offensive term.

• KerryLKing | Mar 11, 2012, 01:13 PM EDT

  Here...here for borefield!! Well said!! Yes, just about "every ethnic group" (especially blacks & mid-easetern Arabs,etc) will scream & holler over everything! The Irish have a right to be upset. I'm American of Irish descent (2nd generation) and even I'm upset! I go over to Ireland often...I've heard this ordered in the pubs & yes I do know the "history of what the evil Black & Tan British troops did to the Irish". That was why I asked if it was "rude to order a Balck & "Tan in a pub"....because I was surprised the 1st time I heard it. OK, so maybe it is "just a drink", but naming the shoes is "politically incorrect". But I'd say the Irish shouldn't worry because form the looks of the shoes it'll be only the the "home boys & gansta's" here in the US who will buy the things!! The ones usually buyiung these types of shoes....punks!!

• johhnyb | Mar 11, 2012, 12:48 PM EDT

  SO they only loaned, not gifted 300m? Very stingy of them. And the billions to bail out the banks which couldn't get their money back from their borrowers (the Irish people) came from their borrowers (the Irish people). That makes a lot of sense.

• dibble2008 | Mar 11, 2012, 11:44 AM EDT

  jonny b dfor your information the brits are required to give that money as a loan which they will be repayed with interest. The billions to bail out the banks came out of the pockets or Iriah peole so get your facts right.

• dibble2008 | Mar 11, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT

  @springfield. what the hell are you talking about? I live in Limerick but the Black and tans permeated all of irish Life when they were let loose by the british establishment.

• CalderaGal | Mar 11, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT

  Ditto to Citizen69!

• Springfield9 | Mar 11, 2012, 10:28 AM EDT

  How is it that people overlook the fact that the "Black and Tans" were (originally) a pack of hounds from Limerick?

• jacersagain | Mar 11, 2012, 08:13 AM EDT

  Teacher1101 says “Leave it to Nike”. Nobody Irish person complains about Guinness... watching a pint of it settle oodles black and tan. I’ve heard pub customers call for a pint of Black & Tan and the barman knows it means Guinness. It’s just another Nike commercial name, not an Irish political allusion.

• citizen69 | Mar 11, 2012, 06:37 AM EDT

  Seems we're falling over ourselves to be 'outraged' these days! Outrage over a silly hat, outrage over an Obama t-shirt using a four leaf clover, now outrage over the colour of a pair of sneakers. "It would be the American equivalent of calling a sneaker 'the al-Qaeda'"... get a grip.

• johhnyb | Mar 11, 2012, 06:16 AM EDT

  Yes Silling. Boycott all things British. Oh wait, does that include the £300m those nasty Brits gave last year to bail out the Irish banks? Should we give it back?

• Silling | Mar 11, 2012, 04:32 AM EDT

  The boys that beat the Black and Tans were the boys from the County Cork. (line from a song) But wait, sure the queen has only just visited the Rebel County and was as welcome as the flowers of May. If America was a British Colony, the Irish would still be there just as they are in Australia, New Zealand and indeed in England. If we need to protest against the British, then boycott not Nike, but all things English. Incidentally, J'etais nee en Irlande et J'habite dehors le pays, mais en France et pas dans un pays Anglophone comme vous. Tir gan teanga is tir gan ainm, America is British always was always will be, W.A.S.P.S. Make a real protest, and abandon the Brits.

• Madeliene | Mar 11, 2012, 12:45 AM EST

  Richard Cahill you are an ass- The memory of the Black and Tans should never become a "a 90 year old bad memeory" any more than what the Germans did to the Jews, Gypsys, insane and anyone else who they wanted to kill off become "just a memory" If we forget the past we are bound to repeat it!

• hjolley | Mar 11, 2012, 12:18 AM EST

  To Marcella who said, "I choose to honor the countless people murdered, terrorized and wrongfully abused by the black & tans (sadly some of these goons were irish) by not making light of that phrase." Maith Thu! As for Nike-directed outrage,....seriously? Millions of Irish-Americans are ignorant of Irish history and drink not only Black and Tans, but Irish Car Bombs with fervor. Like Marcella, I choose not to, just like I'll choose not to buy the Nike Black and Tans. Sometimes a shoe is just a shoe and not an ethnic insult.

• teacher1101 | Mar 10, 2012, 06:53 PM EST

  leave it to nike!buy another brand

• Bhrighde | Mar 10, 2012, 05:50 PM EST

  I'm waiting for the "Waffen SS" snaeker.

• Paddy O | Mar 10, 2012, 05:35 PM EST

  Nice sneakers....should go lovely with my green tie. Seriously, I get embarrassed when I read the ridiculously stupid and totally ignorant political opinions expressed in this newspaper.

• johhnyb | Mar 10, 2012, 05:24 PM EST

  Outrage is the only word for it. There must be somebody outraged here in Ireland......Someone?.....Anyone?.....Come on......

• Marcella | Mar 10, 2012, 05:12 PM EST

  Not only corporate stupidiy (actually someone there is really lazy in their research - if they had researched Irish history - as they are using an Irish Saints day to market this, they wouldn't have this push back.) If Black and Tan is fine - how about a tennis shoe that looks like the hood of the kkk and market it to the African American community?! Am I offended there are drinks called Black and Tan? NO but neither will I touch one. But, I choose to honor the countless people murdered, terrorized and wrongfully abused by the black & tans (sadly some of these goons were irish) by not making light of that phrase.

• Deidra47 | Mar 10, 2012, 05:11 PM EST

  Everybody needs to lighten up. Other then the Irish, most folks would not know the significance of "black and tan". And what....every business before they come out with a product is suppose to goggle every aspect that relates to the product to see if it's going to tick someone off. If they offend you, don't buy them. But to keep complaining about everything is going to turn people off to the Irish. Not that I believe it would ever happen again, but do you want to see the days of "Irish need not apply".

• borefield | Mar 10, 2012, 04:34 PM EST

  My first instinct is to say "get a life"', then when I hear or read every other day someone insulted the Quran, a sports game in TX, said something that insulted the black or hispanic community and all Hell breaks loose, Al Sharpton mouthing off for an apology or to have someone fired then, I take a second look and think I am a little tired of the Irish insults and slurs and the catholics are also fair game and no one cares. Yes , from now on Ibwill voice my concern

• seanieNYC | Mar 10, 2012, 03:23 PM EST

  Ciaran Staunton- the fellow who is so 'outraged' in this story. owns a pub in midtown manhattan called o'Neills where the bartenders will happily sell you a Black & Tan. Hypocrite headline-grabber.

• richard cahill | Mar 10, 2012, 03:17 PM EST

  Guys, get a life, should the two colours be removed from the spectrum to satisfy a 90 year(bad) memory? I don't think so. Where would this all end? A Rainbow devoid of colour.

• keltyeire | Mar 10, 2012, 02:52 PM EST

  sad memories my grandmothers family was burned to death in thier cottage by the black and tans

• chrisflanagan | Mar 10, 2012, 02:08 PM EST

  I think this is a joke,with all the issues we are facing in Ireland and around the world we are "outraged"by the name of a sneaker,black and tan just go together well as a sneaker,,,where it belongs between your body and the earth,,athletes foot comes to mind,,,,,,,,

• OrenTruitt | Mar 10, 2012, 01:42 PM EST

  Another instance of corporate stupidity! People THINK they know the meaning of a word or phrase without doing any research and their ignorance is outrageous! I call for a complete BOYCOTT of all Nike products!

• greensod | Mar 10, 2012, 01:30 PM EST

  If the black and tans had been wearing these nike shoes,they would have been able to run faster from the IRA.

• JimmieM | Mar 10, 2012, 12:43 PM EST

  Just the state of affairs these days....Like The Obama these people "went" to prestigious schools, no mention of grades or graduation date.......they learned it would be fair if every was totally equal...they did not learn actual history...actual chemistry...actual physics...and they are not the least bit concerned that they come up looking dumb so often....they are elite they are our rulers they don't have to be actually smart.

• SeamusMor | Mar 10, 2012, 12:18 PM EST

  Some just don't get it! General Motors couldn't understand why it's popular Chevy Nova wasn't selling in the South American market until someone pointed out that "No va" in Spanish means "doesn't go!" O'Bama's four leaf clover, and Nike's Black and Tans are more recent examples.

• adrienrain | Mar 10, 2012, 11:41 AM EST

  I think the damn war is over- at least THAT war is over. I can order a black & tan in any Irish bar I go into. Nike is a fine exploiter of 3rd world wage slaves - Now THERE is something to get upset about. I wouldn't buy Nikes if they made them in the colors of the Irish flag! And to paraphrase bogside bunny, when it comes to atrocities like Israelis bulldozing the homes and orchards of Palestinians in the West Bank. . . . (Well I can't say the Irish don't care - plenty of good Irish human rights activists have spoken out on that)

• bogsidebunny | Mar 10, 2012, 11:24 AM EST

  Get over it folks. Stop the faux-whining, grow up and get a life. Geez, ye Irish are sooooo sensitive about silliness, but when it comes to current atrocities like the Palestinians constantly rocketing Israel they stick their noses in the air and give a pompous snort of indignation. What a bunch of hypocrites. I'm buying a pair of B&T's pronto and wearing them.

• Meniskos | Mar 10, 2012, 11:09 AM EST

  Nike was aware, and didn't care. Choosing the name probably was fully intentional and done with the knowledge that notoriety draws widespread attention. Screw the trolls that want to defend this.

• pilib04 | Mar 10, 2012, 11:01 AM EST

  If you wish to get upset with Nike explore their exploitation of workers who make their shoes. Tell Nike to Just Do It. Tiocaidfh ar la. As for the Black and Tan shoes, can't we find something a little more important to get upset about. Didn't Fine Gael and Labour just sell off the Irish nation in order to save the bankers? Finally, until you start protesting Black and Tan the drink, no one can possibly take you serious.

• buzzer7 | Mar 10, 2012, 10:43 AM EST

  This is why a close reading of history is required, when assuming the usage of a national symbol sounding term for commercial purposes. I can't see them (or maybe I can) using a name such as "Gestapo booties," for the wee ones of Germany, or perhaps "Pearl Harbor Sneakers" for the feet of the Japanese! The term "Boycott" is one term all aggrieved parties can understand, even the dunderheads at Nike!

• oTuachair | Mar 10, 2012, 10:38 AM EST

  Sadly, the average American hardly knows our own history, never mind Ireland's. Most think the black and tan is a drink, and that's the end of it. Those of us who do care do our best to educate and inform.

• judiron | Mar 10, 2012, 10:10 AM EST

  I believe Ireland is justified in their complaint. Don't allow them to be sold in your county. Although Obama would allow LQuidas to be sold here. First amendment you know. Amen

• Rebelforce | Mar 10, 2012, 10:04 AM EST

  Why don't they just call them, "The British Terrorist"?

• KerryLKing | Mar 10, 2012, 10:04 AM EST

  QUESTION FOR EVERYONE: While in Ireland I've occassionally heard somebody order a Black & Tan in the pub.....is that also insulting? Don't recall if any of them were Irish, so just wondering if that is considered rude to order over there. I myself prefer to order Jameson...can't get into trouble over that order :-)

• KerryLKing | Mar 10, 2012, 09:59 AM EST

  Dear rapparree: THANK YOU.....that is comforting to know that the Col. got what he deserved soon after making those disgusting orders.

• Irish1798 | Mar 10, 2012, 09:57 AM EST

  My family has been in America since the 1700s, but they are from Ireland, and even I know who the Black and Tans are. I will never buy another pair of Nike shoes for any reason. This is inexcusable and very insulting to the Irish people.

• like2tweet | Mar 10, 2012, 09:53 AM EST

  love those people with slave mentality who suck up every insult and racist market ploy aimed at insulting Irish and their heritage.Well done Ciaran Staunton!

• Springfield9 | Mar 10, 2012, 09:51 AM EST

  Will they come out with the "Fascista' next year?

• Erinlady | Mar 10, 2012, 09:51 AM EST

  Nike owes us an apology for this insult and should take them off the market.

• LimavadyExile | Mar 10, 2012, 09:50 AM EST

  They probably did it "accidentally on purpose". Rather insensitive, to be honest.

• dibble2008 | Mar 10, 2012, 09:50 AM EST

  insulting to anyone Irish whose grandparents remember the Black and Tans. Taken out of English Jails and put in Uniform and sent to ireland to torture and brutalise us irish. We won't forget those British tactics that terrified our nation. Nike shoud be immediately brought to court if they pursue this. Imagine putting Swasticas on shoes? Well calling them Black and tans is the same insult to us.

• CaptainCon | Mar 10, 2012, 09:41 AM EST

  This is nothing new ... regularly in te United States some marketing department guy with a hazy knowledge of Irish associations pups up with a 'hey! Why don't we do a 'black & tan' association with this product? It'll go down well around March in the Green Cities and black n'tan is an Irish thing.' Some years ago a Marketing guy for Guinness in the States produced a poster for a drink called the 'Black n'Tan' mixing Guinness with cider or something equally heinous. The campaign poster made it through a number of internal marketing meetings before someone screamed and explained why it was bad idea and could well hit Guinness sales as well as offending large parts of New York, Boston, Philly. A litte knowledge is a very dangerous thing. Especially in marketing departments with a hazy grip on cultural issues and history.

• DrSheilahere | Mar 10, 2012, 09:41 AM EST

  Need to get your equilibrium back. Check out the Donegal X Press Band. They rock pro Irish!

• carrickcourt | Mar 10, 2012, 09:38 AM EST

  People's ignorance of history always amazes me but"history" for most people is yesterday.

• belfastcanuck | Mar 10, 2012, 09:24 AM EST

  Good looking kicks. Might pick up a pair. But seriously, Ciaran Staunton, President of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, needs a hobby

• OleSarge | Mar 10, 2012, 09:01 AM EST

  Are you so thin skinned that you must attack shoes. It is clear from your article that Nike was targeting the Pub crowd and the popular drink Black & Tan. Are you going to go after Guinness and Bass and all the pubs and barkeeps who sell Black & Tan? This sort of distraction takes away from real attacks on peoples culture and heritage. Word of advice, grow up!

• rapparree | Mar 10, 2012, 08:35 AM EST

  Lt Col Gerald Bryce fergusonSmyth was shot shortly thereafter making that statement, by the IRA, nice little postscript

• like2tweet | Mar 10, 2012, 08:32 AM EST

  unbelievable