The Helmet Rule Raises Its Ugly Head Yet Again In All-Ireland Semi-Final

Just after the farcical Tadhg de Burca scenario concluded, Waterford look set for another ‘Helmet Gate’ regardless of the outcome of today’s game.

Despite being in full view of officials on television cameras, Waterford’s Austin Gleeson was seen to interfere with the helmet of Cork’s Luke Meade in the first half of today’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final.

No action was taken, but in the light of the recent Tadhg de Burca and Adrian Tuohy fiasco’s, it is unlikely that we have heard the end of this one.

The helmet rule has caused constant controversy in recent weeks and this latest instalment of the hurling championship has not helped that controversy to go away.

Astonished Austin Gleeson got away with that helmet interference. Way more deliberate than de Burca. & right in front of linesman #corkvwat

— Eimear Ryan (@eimear_ryan) August 13, 2017

If were playing by the rules then gleeson should be off for interfering with the helmet. #CORKvWAT

— Rodger (@rodgiec86) August 13, 2017

Are they teaching lads to pull the helmet off in Waterford? Disgraceful from Gleeson #GAA #CorkVWaterford @BigRedBench

— Tomás Sheehan (@TomasSheehan) August 13, 2017

Austin Gleeson after pulling the helmet off Luke Meade. Got away with it, for now at least. Stupid to do considering the deBurca furore.

— Adrian Joyce (@AntUasalCeart) August 13, 2017

Gleeson pulled of a helmet, bet ref terrified to make that call. #CORKvWAT

— Paz (@PA2BAN) August 13, 2017

#HelmetGate looking for another victim in shape of Austin Gleeson. Next thing will be helmet left a little loose for “stray hands” #CORKvWAT

— Pa Ranahan (@PaRanahan) August 13, 2017

You’d think Austin Gleeson would have more sense after the few weeks Waterford put down and stay away from the helmets.Lucky boy #SundayGame

— caoimhin mc grath (@caoimh89) August 13, 2017

Half time sees Waterford lead by a single point on a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-09. An intriguing second half awaits as the victors will earn a place in the All-Ireland hurling final against Galway on September 3rd.

If Waterford are to hold on, the attention will directly return to whether the current double Hurler of the Year will be available for the final.