GAA ponder naming option

The GAA has not ruled out mimicking other codes like Premier League soccer by putting players’ names on the backs of their jerseys.

The issue of identification of players, particularly in hurling, has come strongly into focus because of the new rule regarding mandatory safety helmet use since January 1.

Director general Pauric Duffy has admitted that the GAA has always suffered from a lack of recognition of its top players as most wear helmets.

That situation will only get worse and could even impinge on certain players’ marketing opportunities as a result of the new helmet decree.

While Duffy said there were no plans at the moment to introduce names on jerseys yet, he said it was something the GAA may shortly consider.

"Going forward it’s something we might look at," said Duffy. "At the moment our primary concern is to get everyone wearing a helmet, that’s our first goal. Marketing the games comes after that.

"But it is a valid point. It’s been an issue for quite a long time that hurlers are not as easily recognisable as footballers but at the minute we don’t have any plans to do that."

Duffy was speaking at the launch of MARC Sports’ innovative new hurling helmet scrappage scheme.

Under the scheme players will be able to ‘scrap’ their old helmet between now and February 21 and receive €15 off a new MARC model. For each helmet that is scrapped a donation will be made to the children’s charity Make-A-Wish Ireland (details from marcsports.ie).