Crecora National School join Limerick hockey superstar Róisín Upton for GOAL Jersey Day 2025

CRECORA National School had a very special recently, when Irish hockey legend Róisín Upton visited to spread awareness of GOAL'S Jersey Day, which will be celebrated on October 10. 

READ MORE: County final pairings confirmed in Limerick Ladies Football Club Championships

Upton, who started playing field hockey at Crescent College, joined the sixth class children at Crecora National School to bring the schoolday to life by donning their own favourite jerseys and showing just how much fun can be had by joining in with GOAL Jersey Day this October.

This year GOAL is celebrating 37 years of Jersey Day and in 2024, over 40,000 participants from 120 businesses and 420 schools helped raise an incredible €240,000 for GOAL. This time around, with leading Irish sports broadcasters Premier Sports as our title sponsor, we’re aiming even higher — with a fundraising target of €250,000.

Two schools across Co. Limerick have already signed up for Jersey Day 2025 and there is still time to join in the fun by registering at jerseyday.org.

Whether you choose the county colours of Limerick, your favourite soccer or rugby club, or even your national jersey, every contribution will support vulnerable communities in Gaza, Sudan, and other crisis-affected regions. Join us and be part of a powerful movement for change. 

Upton, who has 136 senior caps for Ireland, was joined by Irish athletics legend David Gillick in raising awareness for GOAL. 

Gillick, a two-time European Indoor champion, is a familiar face to Irish sports fans, not only for his past athletics achievements, but also his brilliant post-race interviews in which he immediately captures the elation and heartache of Ireland’s most prominent athletes after they proudly represent their country on the world stage.

Now, David and his family of sports enthusiasts are calling on you to wear your own colours with pride for this fun and simple event, which sees thousands of people in schools and workplaces wear their favourite sports jersey instead of their everyday attire.

By doing so, you can help raise vital funds for GOAL’s lifesaving humanitarian aid and development work in 14 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

"Irish people have a deep connection to sport. We are incredibly passionate about it, and jerseys are a big part of that tradition and culture. Whether it’s GAA, rugby, soccer or in my case athletics, sport plays a huge role in our identity. There’s real pride in the jersey you wear," Gillick said.

"It shows that you are part of something bigger - a local club, a national team, or an entire community backing their own. Basically, wearing your favourite jersey isn’t just about sport, it’s about connection and belonging. It’s about coming together as a team, a town, or even a country, whether you're cheering from the sidelines or celebrating on a global stage," he added. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

• Schools will celebrate Jersey Day on Friday, October 10th, while businesses can choose any day in October to take part.
• Register now at jerseyday.org. Proudly supported by Premier Sports.
• Participants are encouraged to share their stories, photos, and colourful jerseys on social media using the hashtag #GOALJerseyDay, helping to spread the message and inspire others to join in.