Eoin Kelly's comments about Helmets

KevIRL

Gotta say I agree with what he's trying to say (if not the manner he went about it). The rule makes definite sense, and will ensure future generatiosn rightly always wear helmets, but lads that have rarely worn a helmet throught their playing days should not be forced to do so now.

Waterford star Eoin Kelly has accused the GAA of treating players like children in an extraordinary outburst against the new rules in the game.

Déise man Kelly told hoganstand.com: 'They treat us like kids.

'Next year, it'll be "Get your mammy to put on your helmet for you before you go out and play", or something stupid like you can't wear studded boots.

'That's the way it's going, every year it's something different. They do it for the National League and then they scrap it and go back to normal.

'There are games that fellas are training for for six or seven months, and the game could be changed on a ball given wide or something like that - they're the issues that should be improved on.

Kelly added on the compulsory helmet rule: 'It's going to be hard. The GAA should really look at fellows over 25 who have not worn a helmet for 10 or 15 years.

'I don't know if it is driven by insurance companies or what, but it is going to be wicked hard on Dan Shanahan, Ken McGrath and fellas like that - they have not worn a helmet in 20 years. I have not worn once since I was 11 or 12.

'As John Mullane said, it's grand putting it on in the winter, but when you're going out on a sunny day it is going to be hard. It's like being stuck in a small room. It's very claustrophobic.'

Browney7

If people want to go out on a field and run the risk of getting split open lets them. I have always and always will wear a helmet even though I find i play better messing around in training without one.

The best thing about them is they stop you getting split from the slightest of flicks. I think goalies shouldn't have to wear them at all.

gerocks

The quicker we cover up Mullane the better!
It's the right decision all round.
Soon enough the GPA will sue the GAA cos one of their player gets an eye taken out.

Kenteach

I agree with the rule, and think players should put up or shut up. However, as the rule making helmets mandatory for U21's isn't that old, there are still a lot of lads who haven't worn one in years. It will impact on them, no doubt, but no matter when the cut off is made, this has to be introduced at some stage.

Reginald P. DuM

Kelly should have sought the advice of a Spin Doctor before he spoke to the magazine, he certainly hasn't advanced his case any in the language he used. Bottom line is this is a good rule and an overwhelming majority of people acknowledge this. One less potentially lethal eye injury versus an uncomfortable helmet wearer is no contest.

All the players who haven't worn helmets in years will adapt quite quickly, if they are concentrating on the game then they won't even notice it as soon as ball is thrown in. In any case helmet manufacturers will make them as user friendly as possible. Kelly is a fine hurler but his comments on this matter are not welcome, the rule's in, get on with it boyo!!

neil_hosey

one thing i forgot to ask about this was, is a face guard needed? in the new rules like?

Fentdog84

I agree with Kelly in that the GAA have been introducing silly trial & error rules in the national leagues for years now , but this mandatory helmet rule in hurling is the most logical one they've made. Hurling is a dangerous sport and by not wearing a helmet you run the risk of a serious head injury however much of a ''tough man'' you are. in fact I'm amazed this rule is only being brought in now. While it will be awkward in the beginning for players who are not used to wearing them, I'm sure most will get the hang of it pretty quickly. So quit whining Kelly,

premierstone

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

Kelly should have sought the advice of a Spin Doctor before he spoke to the magazine, he certainly hasn't advanced his case any in the language he used. Bottom line is this is a good rule and an overwhelming majority of people acknowledge this. One less potentially lethal eye injury versus an uncomfortable helmet wearer is no contest.

All the players who haven't worn helmets in years will adapt quite quickly, if they are concentrating on the game then they won't even notice it as soon as ball is thrown in. In any case helmet manufacturers will make them as user friendly as possible. Kelly is a fine hurler but his comments on this matter are not welcome, the rule's in, get on with it boyo!!

While I agree with you the tone of the interview and choice of language leaves alot to be desired, I actually do emphatise with Kelly, and anyone who says a 30 year-old intercounty hurler wont notice that he is wearing a helmet with a full faceguard (removing of any bars etc will not be allowed) is being very simplistic and not fully understanding the intensity of a championship game where every little edge is vital.

SomeFool

I really think players should have a choice. They're grown men and capable of deciding what is good for them or not, and living with the consequences. How long before they bring in body armour ???

Reginald P. DuM

premierstone wrote: »

While I agree with you the tone of the interview and choice of language leaves alot to be desired, I actually do emphatise with Kelly, and anyone who says a 30 year-old intercounty hurler wont notice that he is wearing a helmet with a full faceguard (removing of any bars etc will not be allowed) is being very simplistic and not fully understanding the intensity of a championship game where every little edge is vital.

They'll be wearing them in challenge games, League games and in training. Any talk of it putting them off by the time the Championship comes about is completely over dramatic. Or to put it another way does anyone seriously believe the new rule will affect the outcome of any single match next year? TIpperary will win the All-Ireland rule or no rule.

premierstone

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

TIpperary will win the All-Ireland rule or no rule.

Hope your right Reginald, but take Brendan Cummins as a perfect example, never wore a helmet in he's life and now after over 20 years has to wear a helmet with face guard in the goals I personally can see it having a major negative impact on him.

Daysha

I would've preferred a more gradual process where the age limit for wearing a helmet would increase bit by bit over a number of years, but it's hard not to see where the GAA are coming from when you see instances like this. Watch it from the 0:50 mark.

slingerz

neil_hosey wrote: »

one thing i forgot to ask about this was, is a face guard needed? in the new rules like?

Yep a full faceguard is required

slingerz

Daysha wrote: »

I would've preferred a more gradual process where the age limit for wearing a helmet would increase bit by bit over a number of years, but it's hard not to see where the GAA are coming from when you see instances like this. Watch it from the 0:50 mark.

Ouch!

Jugs82

Hard to argue against it to be honest

I don't wear a helmet and it is going to be tough to get used to one - I have always found that if its raining, I have a river running over my eyes and if its hot, I have a flood of sweat

I would have prefered a gradual introduction as most people who dont wear helmets weren't playing U-21 when the rule was brought in.

Also, goalkeepers are going to find it very, very hard