The father of a young hurler who was fighting for his life in intensive care in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, last night after being hit with a hurley, has called on players to wear safety helmets.
Keith McLoughlin (18) was taken to hospital on Wednesday after being hit during a match in Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Keith, who is due to sit his Leaving Certificate this year, plays for the junior hurling team at O'Dwyer's GAA club in Balbriggan.
He was in goal during the Dublin junior league fixture between O'Dwyers and Kilmacud Crokes when, according to his father, Ciarán, he removed his helmet and put on a peaked cap to keep the sun out of his eyes.
"He went to stop the ball and he was accidentally struck by a hurley. It was a freak accident and no blame attaches to the other player," he said.
Keith was taken to St Vincent's hospital and then transferred to Beaumont where he was treated by a neurosurgery team.
