At the end of the 2011 season, a change from Hummel to Umbro was announced, with a large of amount of merchandise released in time for the Christmas market, though the actual kits would not be revealed until shortly before the start of the new Premier Division campaign. In the interim, friendlies were played in a red stock Umbro design with the FORAS logo on front (right) as Beamish's deal had also expired and a new main sponsor was being sought. An emerald green version of this kit was worn by the club's U19 side, but a teaser for the new away strip showed that the darker green of the previous two Hummel shirts would remain.
Launched in conjunction with the announcement of a sponsorship deal with Clonakilty Black Pudding and the re-signings of Dan Murray and Colin Healy, the new change kit (below left) featured the double-chevron design that has adorned a number of Umbro kits in the recent past. The home (top left), though worn by Murray at the league launch with white shorts, reverted to green ones once the season started.
Early home matches against Shamrock Rovers and Wexford Youths, who both turned up in black away kits, saw City wear the red strip as referees felt the dark green clashed with the visitors, while the Dundalk game also provided an oddity. Played in exceptionally heavy rain, both teams changed to their dry away shirts at half-time (seemingly no long-sleeve versions existed), meaning it was the first time since 2007 that City's first team had played in jerseys that were a different colour to the shorts (right). City finished the season in sixth place.
