University of Limerick unveil historic new GAA jersey supporting diversity and inclusion

The University of Limerick unveiled their new jerseys for the 2021/22 season yesterday.

The new jersey, designed by O’Neills is the first of its kind to carry the LGBTQ+ pride colours which are emblazoned on the sleeve of the white outfit.

The jersey is sponsored by Castletroy Park Hotel and JIGSAW, a free, non-judgemental and confidential mental health support service for young people.

GAA President Larry McCarthy, who was a former menber of UL GAA Club, was at the launch of the jersey and commended the college for the design which promotes equality.

“I am delighted to see that the mantra of the GAA, ‘Where we all Belong’ is manifested in the ethos and re-design of jersey of UL GAA Club. Sport, like a university, is a natural home of equality where neither class, nor creed, nor colour, nor orientation, nor ability, should impact on participation. 

“Playing the game quickly eliminates barriers between teammates and teams, and the GAA is proud of its philosophy that sport is indeed for all. I commend the UL GAA Club in being to the fore in propagating the GAA mantra.”

Established almost 50 years ago, the UL GAA Club has grown expanantially over the years with approximately 1,000 current members.

UL have become one of the standard bearers in GAA competitions with the current senior camogie side winning the last five Ashbourne Cups.

The Ladies Football side are the current holders of the O’Connor cup, winning four out of the last six titles.

The Senior hurling side won the Fitzgibbon Cup as recently as 2018, while UL are the only Sigerson Cup representative in Limerick.

Those competitions are set to return this academic year after they were called off in 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic.

Also at the launch, UL President, Professor Kerstin Mey also praised the new jersey which supports an “inclusive mind set,”

 “The UL GAA Club has been in existence since the 1970s and I am very proud that our club jersey is the first in Ireland to feature the LGBTQ+ pride colours. A university is the natural home of equality, diversity and inclusion. Students from all parts of the world, from a huge variety of different cultures, backgrounds, creeds, and orientations come together to learn, live, play sport and recreate on our campus.”