The 2013 All-Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Mayo. Dublin fullback Rory O'Carroll sustained a concussion in a collision with Enda Varley. Despite the injury he was allowed to continue playing.
So he has first-hand experience when it comes to concussion in sport.
O'Carroll, now an ambassador for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, wrote to The Irish Times expressing reservations about Rory Best playing at the Aviva against France at the weekend despite suffering a head injury against Italy the previous week.
Sir, – Mick Kearney, the Irish team manager (“Ireland hope to have six of the best back for France”) is quoted as saying the following: “Rory Best suffered concussion. He has been very well since the game and is completing a gradual return-to-play protocol”.
On the IRFU website is its guide to concussion which states: “Minimum rest period post-concussion: 14 days. Minimum time-out: 21 days. Graduated return to play: 6 days”.
Maybe it’s just me, but reconciling the word “minimum” and seeing Rory Best pummel head-first into countless rucks on Saturday begs the need for clarity. – Yours, etc, RORY O’CARROLL Woodlands, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.
Best passed a concussion test for the game, his 80th cap for Ireland. He was replaced in the 47th minute of Ireland's opening Six Nations fixture against Italy after he sustained a bang to the head.
Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
