Eimear Ryan: Protecting the brain must always be a priority over 'manliness'

Being in peak physical condition and even wearing helmets hasn’t helped NFL players; lessons that we in the GAA should take to heart

It’s worth noting that NFL players are especially prone to CTE; while helmets prevent skull fractures, they do nothing to prevent concussions.

Earlier this month, the GWS Giants AFLW team — the Aussie Rules home of Cora Staunton and Bríd Stack — retired the #34 jersey at their end-of-season awards ceremony. The number belonged to Jacinda Barclay, known to her teammates as Barcs, who took her own life last October at the age of 29.

Like so many sportswomen who ply their trade in Aussie Rules, Barclay was a talented multi-disciplinarian. She started her sporting career in basketball and baseball, going on to represent Australia in the latter, appearing at five successive World Cups as her country’s pitcher.