Head injury "not a badge of honour" - O'Carroll

October 06, 2015

Dublin's Rory O'Carroll. INPHO

Rory O'Carroll has called for a change in attitudes towards head injuries.

The Dublin full back famously played on with concussion in the 2013 All-Ireland final against Mayo but he accepts that this was a mistake.

Speaking at the launch of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland's new smartphone app, Concussion Smart, O'Carroll said: "I suppose it was because it was the All-Ireland final and we had no substitutes left. I was recognised as concussion.

"It is about changing the culture. I was so determined to convince the doctor that I was okay, and the referee.

"The GAA and the rugby as well are seen as the bastion of masculinity within Ireland. When you play with a head injury and if you are bleeding and have a bandage wrapped around your head, you are seen as more of a man.

"The concussion or the blood injury are seen as a badge of honour. It's about kind of changing that culture, a shift, to use your head in these decisions. It isn't a badge of honour; it's a medical issue which could affect your life into the future."


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