The US National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association (NCGAA) has issued notices on its social media channels warning of the dangers of the "Neknominate" drinking craze that is thought to have originated in Australia but has now spread to Ireland and the United States.

The game involves quick consumption of a pint of an alcoholic drink, often accompanied by a stunt of sorts, and finishes with the participant "nominating" two other people to take up the challenge within twenty-four hours.

"Because of the requirement to nominate two people, this thing has grown exponentially, potentially doubling the number of participants every day," said Eamonn Gormley, NCGAA Chairman.

"Social media has the power to spread good ideas, but also to spread very bad ideas, and competitive alcohol consumption combined with certain stunts is a very bad idea."

The statement on the NCGAA's Facebook page reads: "The NCGAA urges its members to avoid being drawn into the online drinking game known as 'Neknomination.' It has already claimed up to two lives in Ireland and is continuing to spread. If you are nominated, do not feel compelled to participate. Just ignore it. If you must consume alcohol, do so responsibly, do so in moderation, and never as a result of peer pressure."

The NCGAA oversees over two hundred players, almost all American-born, who have taken up hurling and Gaelic football on college campuses across the United States.  Its fourth annual national championship will be held in New York over the Memorial Day weekend of May 24 and 25. Tweet

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