Concerns surrounding the use of popular 'Gola' retro-styled hurling and camogie helmets have led to urgent public warnings following the link between the gear and a risk of serious injury to the face, head and eyes.
The urgent warning has been issued by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC ) and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA ) regarding counterfeit 'Gola' branded helmets which do not meet 'basic PPE (Personal Protective Equipment ) standards and will not protect the wearer from injury'.
It has been recommended that any players using these helmets cease to do so immediately, as product safety inspections of the sportswear found 'poor quality helmets' with 'protruding screws' and 'sharp edges'.
Though Gola is a legitimate sporting brand, the bogus items can be easily determined to be fake due to the fact that Gola does not produce helmets, nor does it license the Gola brand to other companies to make helmets. It has been reported that the bogus helmets are being sold via online marketplaces and on social media platforms.
Particular concern for juvenile players
“Do not purchase one of these helmets for yourself or 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," CCPC Member, Patrick Kenny, said.
“Purchasing and using a compliant helmet system (helmet complete with faceguard added at the point of manufacture, thus making it an item of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE ) which meets the NSAI standard, IS:355, is of the utmost importance in terms of ensuring player safety and welfare in hurling and camogie at all levels. It is worth noting that if a helmet system is purchased when incomplete (i.e., without a compatible faceguard ) it cannot be considered an item of PPE.
“In particular, we are concerned about juvenile players using these helmets and encourage parents and players to only buy helmets from reputable sources," chairperson of the Gaelic Games Helmet Work Group, Jim Bolger, stated.
Health and safety standards
As the ‘Gola’ brand added to these helmets is counterfeit, it is highly likely that any CE mark on the helmets is also counterfeit. Hurling and camogie helmets must have a CE mark to show that the helmet meets the required health and safety standards.
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.
Members of the public effected by the news, or have similar concerns about a helmet they have already purchased have been urged to stop using the item and to contact the CCPC consumer helpline on 01 402 5555.
