Dublin and Kilkenny camogie players stage 'skort' protest: Game almost abandoned
There were chaotic scenes before today's Leinster Senior Camogie semi-final between Dublin and Kilkenny — which almost saw the game abandoned before it began.
A planned protest by the Dublin and Kilkenny teams into the GAA's insistence on camogie players wearing 'skorts' saw all thirty players line-up for the National Anthem wearing shorts.
The move meant that, under the Camogie association rules, referee Ray Kelly from Kildare could not allow the game to begin until they changed into skorts — a skirt with a pair of integral shorts hidden underneath.
He reportedly told the teams management teams that the players would have to get changed in skorts or the match, which took place at St Peregrine's GAA club in Blanchardstown, would have to be abandoned.
The protest came just days after the Gaelic Player Association (GPA) reinforced its position on the enforced use of skorts in camogie and stated that players should have the choice on whether to wear them or not and that player welfare should be prioritised over traditions.
It took five minutes for the players to return to the dressing rooms wearing the mandatory skorts and the game started soon after, with Kilkenny winning 4-11 to 2-12.
Both sides now face an anxious wait to see whether the Camogie Association will hand out any sanctions or fines for the move.
Kilkenny PRO Aoife Lanigan told the Irish Times: 'They could face big fines and the players having their names written in a match report by the referee.
'The players were making a point for all to see (within the Camogie Association). When all three associations combine, the question will surely be why do women have to continue wearing skorts?
Camogie players have voiced their disapproval of the mandatory wearing of skorts on many occasions in recent years but under camogie rules they must wear them while playing matches under rule 6(b) of the sport's code.
A GPA spokesperson said: 'The GPA fully supports players having the right to choose between shorts or skorts and our position on this will not change.
'It is unacceptable that female athletes are being compelled to wear gear that they believe compromises their performance and well-being. We stand firmly with any player or team who opts for shorts and commend the Dublin and Kilkenny players for asserting that right today.
'These athletes were put in an impossible position — wear what they believe is right or face the prospect of the game being abandoned. As always, players chose to compete.
'We now call on the Camogie Association to listen to players and respect their autonomy'.
Last week at the Camogie Association's Congress, motions calling for the rule to be changed were defeated and the issue can now not be up for debate until 2027 under the association's rules.
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