World Cup 2015: Ireland's John Mooney wears 'gorget' helmet against South Africa

In an attempt to reduce the risk of injury to players, Irish all-rounder John Mooney came out to bat wearing a self-designed helmet that protects the back of a batsman's neck, during his side's loss to South Africa in their World Cup tie at Canberra on Tuesday.

Last year, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes passed away after succumbing to injuries he endured from a bouncer at the SCG. The 25-year-old South Australian batsman was knocked out after the ball made impact under his helmet, on the back of the neck.

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Reflecting on his self-made helmet design, which features a grille at both the front and back of the helmet, Mooney said that there was of course the 'unfortunate death' of Phil Hughes before Christmas that prompted him to come out with the innovation.

Mooney, who is a qualified electrician, further said that he had seen numerous players hit on the neck – his cousin Edser got hit twice last year - so his father-in-law Alan Grant and he decided they would put something together, News.com.au reported.

Dubbing his device as 'gorget'- named for the throat protector on medieval suits of armour - he said that it was a 'safety device', and thus passing tests were 'paramount'.