The event encourages reading, for the early development of babies
Shamrock Rovers’ Pico Lopes launched a “readathon” for premature babies in the NICU at the Coombe Hospital.
The footballer is a ‘Coombe Dad’ himself after his own son, Diego, was born at hospital in October last year.
The babies with books readathon is an initiative taking place across neonatal units around the world with the aim to encourage parents and families to read to their premature babies as a way of boosting brain development.
It will take place between September 14 to 24 to help nurture a “deepened bond” between a parent and their baby.
The footballer also read to two-year-old Coleman Cosgrave at the launch on Monday.
“Coleman’s dad Feargal regularly read to him during his time in the Neonatal Unit at The Coombe Hospital two years ago,” said a spokesperson from the Coombe.
“Feargal sadly passed away in 2025 and, in his memory, his colleagues donated funds to the hospital’s Bright Beginnings Library, helping to continue his legacy of sharing the joy of reading with babies and their families.”
Reading to a baby in the NICU can have multiple benefits, they said.
“It supports bonding – reading together creates a special opportunity for parents and babies to connect,” said the spokesperson.
“It helps babies recognise voices. Babies become familiar with the voices they heard during pregnancy, and reading provides a gentle way to continue this connection.
“Reading also provides comfort and reassurance with the the sound and rhythm of a familiar voice being calming and reassuring for babies in the NICU.”
Reading also supports early brain and language development by laying the foundation for communication and language.
“It also gives parents a positive role,” they added.
“Reading is something parents can do for their baby, even when they may feel there is little they can do in the NICU.”