Kelly: New helmet rule is ‘childish’

STOP treating the players like children, that’s the message from Waterford’s Eoin Kelly to the GAA as the new rule on compulsory wearing of helmets is about to take effect.

Eoin is one of a number of senior players who don’t use a helmet, but with the GAA taking a strong line on Health & Safety, they will be faced with a stark choice on January 1 – wear a full-face helmet, or retire.

Speaking in Buenos Aires, where he is a member of the current Vodafone All Star hurling tour, Eoin is not impressed. “They treat us like kids,” said Eoin. “Next year it’ll be ‘Get your Mammy to put on your helmet for you before you go out and play’, or something stupid like you can’t wear studded boots.