Warning against buying counterfeit hurling and camogie helmets

Safety chiefs say 'Gola' helmets are not safe to use. 

HEAD GAMES: Hurling and camogie helmets must have a CE mark to show that the helmet meets the required health and safety standards.  Picture: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

An urgent warning has been issued to hurling and camogie players not to use Gola branded helmets. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission says Gola does not make hurling helmets and does not license the well-known brand to any other companies to do so. 

Players -- and parents -- have been told that helmets with Gola branding should not be used as they do not meet basic PPE standards.

"Do not purchase one of these helmets for yourself or anyone else this Christmas," CCPC member Patrick Kenny said.

"Our product safety officers are working to remove these dangerous helmets from the Irish market. If you currently use one of these helmets, stop using it and buy a standard, CE-marked helmet from a reputable retailer instead."

The warning was reiterated by Jim Bolger, chairperson of the Gaelic Games Helmet Work Group: "In particular, we are concerned about juvenile players using these helmets and encourage parents and players to only buy helmets from reputable sources."

Anyone with concerns about a helmet they have already purchased can contact the CCPC consumer helpline on 01 402 5555 or by email: [e-mail].