New rule clarified as helmet issue comes to a head
The problem was highlighted in the game in Arklow when Wicklow midfielder Jonathan O’Neill removed his helmet when taking frees and 65s, scoring three points in the process, as Wicklow were narrowly defeated 1-10 to 0-12.
Roscommon players protested at O’Neill’s decision, reasoning it contravened the ruling brought in since January 1 that helmets were compulsory for all senior inter-county players. Yet Dublin referee Gearóid McGrath allowed him to continue striking placed balls without his helmet.
But GAA communications manager Alan Milton yesterday stated O’Neill should have kept his helmet on during free-taking, while admitting it was inevitable there would be teething problems during the early stages of implementing the rule.
“Players are obliged to wear a standardised helmet that complies with safety rules at all times when holding a hurley on the pitch,” says Milton.
“There are no exceptions to that rule, they have to wear a face-guard during the games as that’s the only way players are covered under the injury scheme. I think to be fair in this instance with the Kehoe Cup match it was the referee’s first outing and the issue of free-taking may have been a grey area.
“That’s understandable and it was just an oversight. You have to remember that we’re still only in January. Both players and referees are only getting to grips with the rule now. It was always to be expected that there might be some small problems in the first few weeks.”
But Milton believes this was an isolated incident and has praised the reaction from GAA figures across the board to adjusting to the rule change.
“The general application by everyone has been first class. This really is the only incident that has come to light and that’s very encouraging. We do recognised that a lot of players have had to make a massive effort to get used to this cultural shift, particularly older players and goalkeepers. Their response is to be commended. People suggested this ruling would be problematic at minor and U21 level, and it wasn’t.
“We don’t underestimate the challenge of implementing this at senior level, but all going well, we’re very confident that within a few weeks and months all players will be coping with the rule perfectly.”
Meanwhile Waterford attacker Shane Casey is set to miss next Sunday’s Waterford Crystal Cup semi-final against Tipperary or Clare after tearing his hamstring in Saturday’s quarter-final success against IT Tralee.
Casey limped out of the action in the early stages of that game and is now set for a spell on the sidelines. Defender Declan Prendergast was withdrawn near the finish after suffering a head wound that required stitches afterwards, but the Ardmore man will be fit to start in next weekend’s encounter.
The other Waterford Crystal Cup semi-final will take place on Saturday afternoon between UCC and UL, after the Munster Council agreed to facilitate both colleges’ requests to play the game 24 hours earlier. Both colleges are in action in the opening round of the Fitzgibbon Cup on Thursday week, February 4 with UCC at home to Limerick IT and UL entertaining St Pat’s of Drumcondra.
