The ongoing debate surrounding the attire of camogie players has reached a pivotal moment as the Camogie Association prepares for a Special Congress on May 22, 2025. This comes in the wake of a controversial incident during the Leinster senior semi-final, where players from Dublin and Kilkenny were forced to change into skorts after taking to the field in shorts. The referee, Ray Kelly, warned that the game would be abandoned if the players did not comply with the dress code, leading to a swift change and a match that Kilkenny ultimately won 4-11 to 2-12.
Skorts, initially dubbed "trouser skirts," were designed to provide women with the freedom of movement while maintaining modesty. However, their practicality in modern sports has come under scrutiny. A recent survey by the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) revealed that a staggering 83% of players would prefer to wear shorts or believe they should have the option to choose. Moreover, 70% reported discomfort while wearing skorts, and 49% expressed anxiety about potential period leaks during games.
In light of these findings, the Camogie Association is set to hold a vote at the Special Congress to potentially amend the rules governing player attire. If passed, the new regulations would allow players to choose between skorts and shorts, with the change taking effect almost immediately on May 24, 2025. This decision marks a significant shift in response to player feedback, as previous attempts to change the skort rule were defeated at the 2024 Congress, delaying any potential changes until 2027.
Camogie Association President Brian Molloy emphasized the organization’s commitment to player welfare and individual choice, stating, "Our goal is to deliver, as quickly as possible, a best-in-class playing uniform designed for female players and allowing for individual choice." This acknowledgment of players' voices comes after significant pressure from athletes and supporters alike, who argue that the current dress code is outdated and does not reflect the needs of modern female athletes.
Former Dublin player Anna Geary weighed in on the issue, describing the conversation around player attire as "an opportunity to make a change." She stated, "It’s an obvious thing to listen to the players and say, well those that want to wear shorts wear shorts. It’s not going to in any way inhibit camogie as a spectacle; if anything, it’ll probably enhance it because they’ll be able to perform better."
Politician Louise O'Reilly also showed her support by wearing shorts to work in solidarity with the players. Her statement resonated with many, as she remarked, "We really shouldn’t be having this conversation in 2025, folks!" Such public backing highlights the growing recognition of the need for change in the sport.
Ann Marie Russell, the Kerry Camogie Chairperson, who voted for the motion to adopt shorts at the 2024 Congress, echoed the sentiments of many players, noting that while tradition plays a role in camogie, comfort should be the priority. She remarked, "Things progress on, and things move on, and for me, I suppose, the tradition of camogie or hurling is the hurl and the sliotar. Playing the sport is the tradition, no matter what you’re wearing."
The issue of attire in sports is not new. Historical examples abound, from French tennis star Suzanne Lenglen’s controversial outfits in the early 20th century to Serena Williams’ all-black catsuit at the 2018 French Open, which was deemed inappropriate by the French Tennis Federation. The scrutiny over female athletes’ clothing choices continues to be a topic of discussion, with many arguing that the focus should be on performance rather than appearance.
As the Special Congress approaches, the anticipation builds. Players, fans, and supporters eagerly await the outcome of the vote, hoping it will reflect the desires of the majority. Aisling Maher, Dublin’s captain, described her experience of being forced to change into a skort as a "career low," emphasizing the need for the Congress to be more representative of players’ feelings on the ground. She expressed hope that delegates would have reevaluated the situation and that the upcoming vote would lead to a more inclusive dress code.
In the lead-up to the Special Congress, Cork and Waterford players have announced their intention to wear shorts during the Munster Senior Final, signaling a growing defiance against the skort rule. Dublin club teams have also taken a stand, wearing shorts in their fixtures this week, following guidance from their camogie board that allowed games to proceed without skorts.
The Camogie Association’s decision to hold this Special Congress demonstrates a willingness to adapt and listen to the voices of its players. The outcome could set a precedent for future discussions around player attire in women’s sports, potentially influencing other sports organizations to reconsider their own regulations. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the future of camogie attire may hinge on the voices of the players themselves.
