GAA Match Programmes – July 27, 2019

In 1964, while playing a
championship match, Mícheál
suffered a serious head injury
which led him to wear and
promote protective headgear
for hurling.

In October 1966, Mícheál
lined out for UCC in the Cork
senior hurling final wearing

the college’s black and red

jersey and a motorcycle

helmet. Though beaten

in the game, he had taken

the first major step in

pioneering the idea of

protective headgear for

hurlers. In 1967, Mícheál

imported a Spalding

American Football helmet

and he wore it playing in the

Fitzgibbon Cup. This helmet

is currently on display in the

GAA Museum.

From January 1st 2010, it

became compulsory for all

hurlers at all levels to wear

helmets with faceguards

while on the field of play.

HISTORY OF THE HURLING HELMET

HURLING HELMET

Mícheál Murphy played hurling with UCC and Blackrock in Cork from 1960-1973.

The GAA Museum is located under the Cusack Stand. It is open year-round 7 days a week and

charts the story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the modern day. Croke Park Stadium

Tours and Ericsson Skyline Tours operate daily and depart from the GAA Museum.

See http://www.crokepark.ie/gaamuseum for further information.