The ongoing debate over the skort rule in camogie has reached a boiling point as the Munster Senior Camogie final between Cork and Waterford approaches. Scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at The Ragg in Tipperary, the match's outcome hangs in the balance, overshadowed by the players' stance on their attire.
Former Antrim camogie All-Star Jane Adams has publicly criticized the enforcement of skorts in camogie, stating that it "screams sexism" and urging the Camogie Association to allow players the choice between skorts and shorts. This controversy gained momentum after last weekend's Leinster Championship semi-final, where the Kilkenny and Dublin teams were forced to change into skorts before the match could proceed. The Camogie Association has since called a Special Congress for May 22, 2025, to address the issue.
Currently, camogie rules dictate that players must wear a skirt, skort, or divided skirt, unlike women's Gaelic football, where shorts are permitted. Adams, who retired in 2016 after a 20-year career, expressed her disbelief that this debate persists in 2025. "Personally, it does scream sexism - girls shouldn't be being told what they have to wear. Skorts and shorts look similar, but it's all about comfort," she said. "I guarantee that one of the reasons why girls are dropping out of camogie is because of this issue."
A recent survey conducted by the Gaelic Players Association revealed that 70% of players experience discomfort while wearing skorts, and 83% desire the option to choose shorts. Cork camogie player Ashling Thompson emphasized her team's decision to wear shorts in the upcoming Munster final, stating, "If we are asked to change to skorts, we will refuse to do so, even if it risks the game being abandoned or forfeiting the Munster title to Waterford." This bold stance has garnered support from other teams, including Waterford, who announced they would also wear shorts.
Aislín Ní Choinn, a player from St John's in west Belfast, described skorts as "not fit for purpose" and highlighted the discomfort they cause, particularly during menstruation. "When you're playing and you're bending down to go for the ball, you're worrying: 'Am I exposed here?' If you're worrying about that, you're not focused on the game," she explained.
In contrast, Elen McIntosh, captain of Ballycastle's senior camogie team, believes there are more pressing issues facing women's sports, such as access to facilities and funding. However, she also acknowledges that the choice of attire should ultimately rest with the players. "I don't think skorts should overshadow these bigger issues," she stated.
Caoimhe Mallon, club secretary for Fullen Gaels, the only senior camogie team in the north of England, echoed Adams' sentiments, questioning why skorts are mandatory in camogie but not in Gaelic football. "It's not the issue that we have to wear them, it's the fact we have no choice," she said.
The skort debate intensified following the Leinster semi-final, where both Kilkenny and Dublin players donned shorts, only to be threatened with abandonment unless they changed into skorts. This incident sparked protests across the sport, with Dublin Camogie instructing referees to allow games to continue even if players refused to wear skorts.
In light of the growing unrest, the Camogie Association announced the Special Congress to consider motions providing players with the option to wear shorts or skorts. If approved, the new rule would take effect from May 24, 2025. President Brian Molloy emphasized the association's commitment to delivering a playing uniform designed for female players, allowing for individual choice.
As the Munster final approaches, Cork has made it clear they will not wear skorts, a decision echoed by Waterford. Niamh Rockett, a forward for Waterford, stated, "We will be standing with Cork. We're willing to give up the chance of silverware." This solidarity among players highlights the urgency of the issue and the need for change.
Meanwhile, the Meath Camogie Executive urged players to comply with the current skort rule until the Special Congress. However, a recent match between Killyon and Blackhall Gaels was abandoned after players refused to change into skorts, further illustrating the tensions surrounding this topic.
As the debate continues, many players are hopeful that the upcoming congress will lead to a resolution that respects their comfort and autonomy. The situation reflects a broader movement within women's sports, where players are increasingly advocating for their rights and choices.
With the clock ticking down to the Munster final, all eyes will be on Cork and Waterford, not just for the outcome of the match, but for the message their actions will send regarding the future of camogie attire. Will they stand firm in their choice, or will the Camogie Association's impending decision change the landscape of the sport forever?
