A legal action by a hurling helmet supplier who claimed the GAA standard for junior headgear is too stringent has almost been resolved, the High Court heard today. The settlement is subject to ratification by the GAA at a meeting next month.
Cooper Leisure (International) Ltd, Ballinasloe, Galway, had brought proceedings against the GAA and its Central Council claiming it has suffered significant financial losses as a result of the standard required by the GAA for the helmets.
The company claimed their helmets had passed a European test and had asked the court to order the GAA to add its junior helmet to the approved list.
Under GAA guidelines, all senior and junior hurlers must wear helmets that have passed the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) IS-355 test.
The GAA had said only players wearing approved helmets would be insured under the player-injury scheme.
Ms Justice Mary Laffoy was told today the matter had been resolved subject to ratification by the GAA at a meeting on August 7th next.
Counsel for Cooper Leisure asked the court to put the matter in for mention after that date just in case ratification does not proceed.
The judge listed the matter for mention on August 25th.
Cooper has agreed to develop a new helmet for seniors but insists the model for younger players should be permitted as the GAA had previously accepted it.
Helmets have been compulsory for senior hurlers since January 1st last but under 21s have been required to wear them since April 2006.