Compulsory helmets with faceguards in hurling

[Supermanpolitician]

GAA Central Council are plannig having the wearing of helmets made compulsory at all levels.

Diarmuid O'Sullivan (aka The Rock), says he would rather quit hurling than change his hard man image. DOS says he is used to wearing them. But they were compulsory in schools in my day, though not at minor. I'm two years older than DOS, so he must have worn then.

I always wore one (and grant it I have a prettier face than the Rock).

The two greatest players of my lifetime, DJ Carey and Henry Shefflin, have always worn helmets as have many other great players.

[bprob]

i think the cork selectors decided on the rock's retirement long before the helmet issue came along.

they were running notices on the big screens in croke park yesterday.

it is a sensible safety issue for the GAA to address. i might have given a derogation to goalkeepers, but your point on the helmet not affecting quality hurlers is well made. They aren't the only two:

o'connor twins, ronan curran, joe canning are just a few other examples of class players who are helmet wearers.

[redneck]

I think this is a good move. Hurlers are only amateurs, if they get hurt they miss work. And could have no pay. So it makes sense in a health and safety way. Nearly all of the present Kilkenny team wear helmuts- it certainly does not affect performance.

[Supermanpolitician]

i think the cork selectors decided on the rock's retirement long before the helmet issue came along.

they were running notices on the big screens in croke park yesterday.

it is a sensible safety issue for the GAA to address. i might have given a derogation to goalkeepers, but your point on the helmet not affecting quality hurlers is well made. They aren't the only two:

o'connor twins, ronan curran, joe canning are just a few other examples of class players who are helmet wearers.

Agree about O'Sullivan.

Didn't like wearing myself the faceguard but got used to it very quickly.

Nicky English has a terribly gash on his philtrim (between upper lip and nose) from an injury early in his career.

[Frankie Lee]

It's a load of bollocks in my opinion, players should have a choice of whether to wear them or not. Goalkeepers at least should be allowed leave them off.

[mmrebel]

.
. But they were compulsory in schools in my day, though not at minor. I'm two years older than DOS, so he must have worn then.

I have played against him at all levels from underage schools/ Harty cup right up to county level and he has never wore a helmet and nether did i .
It was certainly not a compulsory thing at all either at club or school when i was a kid and has been only compulsory in the last decade for underage teams to wear helmets.
Maybe it might have been compulsory at your club/school which of course is a good thing.
I always found it was a comfort issue with them and would struggle to play with one on but have packed it in the last few weeks so its not an issue for me.

[Frankie Lee]

I have played against him at all levels from underage schools/ Harty cup right up to county level and he has never wore a helmet and nether did i .
It was certainly not a compulsory thing at all either at club or school when i was a kid and has been only compulsory in the last decade for underage teams to wear helmets.
Maybe it might have been compulsory at your club/school which of course is a good thing.
I always found it was a comfort issue with them and would struggle to play with one on but have packed it in the last few weeks so its not an issue for me.

It always drove me mad wearing them underage, part of the reason I lost interest in playing hurling.

[mmrebel]

It always drove me mad wearing them underage, part of the reason I lost interest in playing hurling.

I was never made wear them I'm the same age as the Rock , but they are necessary but should be made more comfortable.

[b.a. baracus]

I was never made wear them I'm the same age as the Rock , but they are necessary but should be made more comfortable.

The old boxy mycro ones from the 80's were horrifically uncomfortable and it felt like you could see nothing. I couldnt wear one and focus on the game and if it was a hot day you would see loads of people taking them off during the match. I think the more modern ones must be more comfortable but for players at inter-county level they should probably be made to measure the individual.
I think it should be personal choice for those over 21 though.

[asknoquestions]

I remember hearing about a lad who had a part of his ear sliced off because he was wearing one of the American football style helmets, but maybe they're safer now than they used to be.