'If you use one of these helmets, stop using it': Warning over counterfeit hurling and camogie helmets 

CONSUMERS in Cork have been issued with an urgent warning about the potential dangers of buying counterfeit hurling and camogie helmets.

The warning has come from the GAA and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), who have warned players to stop using all ‘Gola’ branded helmets.

The helmets are often sold through online marketplaces and social media, in the main for style reasons.

However, they do not meet basic PPE standards, with safety inspections findings the poor quality helmets have protruding screws and sharp edges, posing a risk of serious injury to the face, head and eyes.

The helmets bearing the counterfeit ‘Gola’ brand are also manufactured without faceguards. In order to meet health and safety standards, faceguards must be added at the point of manufacture and not afterwards.

The warning said that Gola do not make helmets and does not licence the Gola brand to any other company to make helmets.

CCPC member Patrick Kenney urged people not to buy one of the Gola branded helmets, either for themselves or for anyone else, this Christmas.

“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,” said Mr Kenney.

The chair of the GAAs helmet working group, Jim Bolger, said buying and using a helmet that meets proper standards is of the “utmost importance” in terms of ensuring player safety and welfare.

“It is worth noting that if a helmet system is purchased when incomplete, for example without a compatible faceguard, it cannot be considered an item of PPE,” said Mr Bolger.

“In particular, we are concerned about juvenile players using these helmets and encourage parents and players to only buy helmets from reputable sources."

Members of the public have been urged to buy helmets from a reliable retailer, checking the helmet is fully assembled, it has a CE mark and that here are no obvious dangers such as sharp edges, rough surfaces or protruding screws.

Information regarding helmet rules and guidance can be found at https://learning.gaa.ie/mouthguardshurlinghelmets.

If people have safety concerns about a helmet that have already purchased, they are advised to stop using it contact the CCPC consumer helpline on 01 402 5555 or email ask@ccpc.ie.