Some teenage GAA players are so terrified of letting down family and friends, they don’t report concussions in the run-up to big matches - in case they’re barred from play.
An anonymous survey of Under 14 and Under 16 GAA players showed around three in five male and female players had suffered a concussion in the past.
Yet many were never medically diagnosed.
Teenagers admitted an important game - such as a championship game or county trial - would discourage them from getting help for a concussion.
And their main reason was they didn’t want to let down family, team-mates or friends.
Dr Siobhan O’Connor, Assistant Professor in DCU’s School of Health and Human Performance - who authored the report - said: "That is a worry to us as it means they may not be doing the right things like stopping playing.
"By not stopping playing or even carrying on the rest of the game it can delay their recovery so symptoms take longer to resolve.
"They may be at future risk of another concussion. Second impact syndrome is a small but serious risk if they sustain another blow.’
"So for them the benefits are outweighing the risks. Their health and wellbeing should be more important than any game."
Other reasons for not reporting concussions were not realising they had a concussion or if it was serious.
Interestingly, they admitted although they were willing to take the risk, they didn’t want their team-mates to put themselves in danger.
Dr O’Connor said parents, volunteers and coaches need to educate young players.
‘We need to normalise reporting of concussion. It’s not seen as weak. If they think they are concussed they should go to a healthcare professional or GP.’
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