THE GAA has been urged to follow the example of an Italian footie club and gift free jerseys to newborns in their counties before they even leave the hospital.
Serie A team Bologna FC have teamed up with the city’s local authority on a new initiative that sees a free jersey given to every baby born in the city.
These tiny jerseys are delivered to new parents who register with the club in a bid to establish a connection with the team from day one.
Cork Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch has called on the GAA to copy the Italian club’s move and provide free county jerseys to all babies born across the country.
The rep has asked Cork GAA to become the first county board to do this by teaming up with jersey producer O’Neills.
She said: “I’d encourage Cork GAA, other county clubs and O’Neill’s to follow Bologna FC’s lead and consider this initiative as a way to develop community spirit and strengthen local identity.
“Introducing this initiative would help demonstrate our strong sense of community spirit to all the community.
“It tells all new parents that they and their children are part of something bigger, they are part of a proud supportive community with a rich history.”
Senator Lynch believes that Cork GAA should lead the way on the initiative to show other counties that this could be done across the country.
She said: “Cork is a county with a rich GAA history that is underlined with both passion and pride.
“As we head into the All-Ireland hurling semi-final, support for our team has never been stronger.
“GAA clubs across the country endeavour to foster a sense of community and create a bond with fans from a young age and gifting a welcome kit to all newborns would be a lovely starting point.”
