Brain injury group backs compulsory helmets decision

A MAJOR Irish charity last night welcomed the GAA’s decision to introduce compulsory helmet wearing for hurlers of all ages.

Barbara O’Connell, chief executive of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland hopes the new rules will mean the number of serious head injuries will be significantly reduced.

She said: “Hurling is a fantastic sport but its fast pace can make it extremely dangerous for players not wearing protective headgear.

“Hurlers playing without a helmet are at danger of suffering head trauma, concussion as well as fractures or injuries to the face.

“At ABI Ireland, we see first hand that wearing a helmet in various situations not only reduces the risk of head injury, it can also reduce the severity of the injury.

“The hurling helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment and we hope that by wearing helmets, the amount of injuries suffered by those playing our national sport will be significantly reduced.”

She told RTÉ: “Unfortunately, some children and young adults think it’s uncool to wear helmets so it is particularly important for the GAA to enforce this regulation. It doesn’t make sense that people put their heads at risk – we only have one brain and we need to mind our heads and protect it.”

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides support and services for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). It is estimated more than 10,000 people are impacted by acquired brain injury in Ireland every year.