Advertisement
Aidan O'Shea - 'It's very hard to know what kind of effect that would have on you.' Donall Farmer/INPHO

Is it time for an independent doctor to rule on GAA concussion cases?

Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea thinks it could be time for that introduction.

MAYO’S AIDAN O’SHEA admits that there ‘probably should be an independent doctor’ to rule on concussion cases in GAA games.

O’Shea was notably involved in a concussion incident during last August’s All-Ireland semi-final replay thriller against Kerry when he collided with teammate Cillian O’Connor.

It wasn’t the first time that O’Shea has been concussed with the 2013 Allstar revealing yesterday that it has happened to him frequently since he was first concussed at the age of 16.

“There probably should be an independent doctor maybe on the sideline to kind of dictate what happens. It’s very difficult when you’re in the heat of a game and you think you can make a difference, regardless of what state you’re in, to be objective and make a call like that.

“I’’m not a doctor, but I think the more you’’ve been concussed, the more likely it will happen again. I know it’’s happened me quite regularly, at club and county level, for the first time at 15 or 16. But I didn’’t even know what it was then. I know now.”

Anthony Maher and Aidan O'Shea Aidan O'Shea in action in last August's replay against Kerry. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

O’Shea admits he was ‘groggy’ during that extra-time clash against the Kingdom and believes the incident was a significant setback for the Mayo side.

“I was groggy. I wasn’’t 100 per cent. Definitely, I thought after it happened, I thought I’’d be okay. I know James and myself had a long discussion on the sideline about it at the time, but it’s always very difficult from a player’s point of view.

“Obviously, it was a bit of a setback for us. Myself and Cillian were playing well, the previous couple of games, and probably knocked ourselves off course a bit.”

Aidan O'Shea was present at the ESB “EnergyFit” programme in association with FutureFit. Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

The 24 year-old, who is one of the strongest midfield powerhouses in the game, is not planning on tailoring his approach to Gaelic football. He acknowledges the gravity of the issue but doesn’t have concerns for his long-term health.

“I don’’t know the science because you do feel fine after a couple of days. It’s very hard to know what kind of effect that would have on you. It’s only happened six or seven times so hopefully I won’t have any long term effects. But if Brian O’’Driscoll can come through as many concussions as he’’s had I think I’’ll be alright.”

Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea previews the divisional round of the NFL playoffs

Niall Moran warns on demands on GAA schools players – ‘It’s at boiling point’

Close
12 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Lawlor
    Favourite Alan Lawlor
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 8:24 AM

    GAA coaches’ answer: Run it off. Ye’ll be grand.

    90
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 8:43 AM

    You can repeat the leaving but you cant repeat the minor

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob O'H
    Favourite Rob O'H
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 9:47 AM

    Players, especially GAA players, will always want to continue on. The decision should be taken out of their hands. Similar to the blood sub, take them off and assess them.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 10:00 AM

    What makes GAA players so different to other sports?if anything the GAA players are starting to copy soccer players by diving and looking for frees and penalties

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob O'H
    Favourite Rob O'H
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 11:59 AM

    Their amateur nature implies a higher level of personal commitment to the club/county they represent, they play for passion not to line their pockets. Therefore they’re more likely to want to stay on the pitch in a high-pressure game than a €100,000 a week footballer.

    24
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 7:41 PM

    You’re away with the fairies.what about pro rugby players,amateur rugby players,boxers,UFC fighters the list is endless

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean J. Troy
    Favourite Sean J. Troy
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 9:27 AM

    Definitely. They’re already doing it in Rugby and American Football. You need an independent sideline neurologist and extremely strict concussion protocol on return.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren Mullen
    Favourite Darren Mullen
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 11:02 AM

    What’s it going to take in for the gaa to wake up to head injuries? Some people don’t wake up from head injuries!

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia McCarthy
    Favourite Patricia McCarthy
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 12:07 PM

    There is no such thing as an Independant Doctor. They are all members of the IMA.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute 10times
    Favourite 10times
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 2:54 PM

    He’s on about team doctors. Big difference.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jon O'Callaghan
    Favourite Jon O'Callaghan
    Report
    Jan 14th 2015, 3:41 PM

    BOD’s toughness and ability to take punishment is on another planet. I wouldn’t be using that as a measuring guide..

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.