Tom Clancy confident medical staff put players first

Tom Clancy is certain the Cork medical team would act in his best interests were if to suffer suspected concussion.

His team-mate Eoin Cadogan was removed from the field of play and replaced after his clash of heads with Lee Keegan in last Sunday’s Division 1 game in Páirc Uí Rinn, although the Mayo player was erroneously permitted to come back on and played for 10 minutes. Fermoy man Clancy has yet to experience concussion but saw first-hand at the weekend how Dr Con Murphy acted in withdrawing Cadogan from the action.

He believes he’s in safe hands without the need for an independent doctor, which in the wake of the game has been suggested by Santry Sports Surgery Clinic-based Dr Cliff Beirne, a member of the GAA’s medical, scientific, and welfare committee.

“We have a great medical team and they’re always looking out what’s best for the player,” said the 25-year-old. “If it ever did happen to me, God forbid, I’d be very happy with those around me.

“Our medical team know us best and obviously they are very qualified people. They’re experts and they’ve never put me wrong. I would pretty much put my life in their hands.”

Clancy couldn’t imagine attempting to convince Murphy that he was okay to return to the field after taking a knock to the head – “I wouldn’t cross Dr Con, anyway!” He is not surprised concussion is becoming more of a regular occurrence in Gaelic football given the increased physical nature of the game.

“It (concussion) is more of an issue in rugby and they’re only getting it right now. We’re an amateur sport and a step behind them but we are getting up to that level.

“Medical teams across the board at inter-county level are of a high standard and you just have to trust them.”