Scientific paper recommends heavier punishment for hits to head in hurling

Stephen Bennett of Waterford holds his head following a challenge from Seamus Flanagan of Limerick, left, during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1 match between Waterford and Limerick at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A 2023 study into concussion in elite hurling has recommended the GAA take more stringent action against “blind side” hits to the head.

The paper, which was published in the “Irish Journal of Medical Science”, proposed heavier sanctions for the dangerous fouls. It also found impacts to the lateral (side) of the head were 2.7 times more likely to result in visible signs of concussion than those to the anteroposterior areas (front and back).