Senior Camogie says ‘No’ to skorts

By Katie

The GAA was thrown up in arms this week as Senior Dublin and Kilkenny Camogie players entered the pitch in club shorts, rather than the ‘skorts’ required of the ladies’ team uniforms. This protest was part of a movement to allow players a choice between either shorts, as seen in the men’s game and the skorts – a skirt band with lycra shorts underneath. It is unsure how the Gaelic Athletic Association will respond in the coming days and weeks, but it is certain that this controversy will shine a light on further inequalities in Irish sporting.

The Camogie Leinster semi-final was almost called off last week as team captains stood side by side with referee Ray Kelly, both in shorts in a pre-arranged alliance between the two teams. Kilkenny’s Kate Power and Aisling Maher of Dublin where told their teams must change into the mandatory skorts or the match would be cancelled. In the face of this impossible decision after a short delay the players unwillingly changed, and the match went ahead. However, the associations decision has sparked widespread discussions around the country especially as players still could be facing sanctions for taking their stand. This is furthered by the fact much of the crowd had not noticed the outfit choice until the players left the pitch, just highlighting how minimal of a decision it should be.

It is now acknowledged nationwide that the majority of camogie players would prefer to wear shorts – from senior level right down to under 14s. A study performed by the Gaelic Players Association revealed 83% of camogie players would choose shorts and that 70% find the skorts ‘uncomfortable’, stating that “player welfare should be prioritised” [1]. The issue is not only the hypocrisy in separate women’s and men’s uniforms in a seemingly equal sport, but how it affects their performance and well-being whilst playing. The issues lie with the design, the skorts provide poor coverage and many women reports worrying about being exposed on the pitch. They require constant readjustment which affects play and are entirely unsuited to the kind of physicality and range of movement that camogie demands.

The issue stands as this Saturday Cork and Waterford were expected to face off in the Senior Munster Final. Noting a further stance was needed Cork player Ashling Thompson announced the team would remain in shorts, even if it meant handing the game to Waterford. Waterford’s Niamh Rockett responded saying the team will “be standing with Cork”. Later the two teams released a joint announcement ahead of the match stating, “We will be togged out wearing shorts. That is our choice,” accepting this could mean the match forfeits – a huge loss for Waterford as the team has only been in two Munster finals ahead of this.

Amid the controversy Munster Camogie have decided to postpone the final after the committee “reviewed the situation”, following an email earlier in the week warning it will be abandoned if the teams show up in shorts [2]. This is ahead of a congress held by the Camogie Association in May planned to discuss the ongoing issue however the board itself has already rejected two proposals for shorts in recent years. Despite these setbacks Dublin Camogie has come out and instructed referees to allow shorts – despite this formally being against the rules. As well as this Taoiseach Michéal Martin expressed his support stating that it’s the “bottom line” [3].

The congress is scheduled for May 22^nd and players remain hopeful of a swift decision. If the movement is passed players will be granted the choice between skorts and shorts by May 24^th as the exceptional circumstances bring the vote ahead of the 2026 Annual Congress. The Camogie Association President Brian Molloy has come out and said, “Our goal is to deliver, as quickly as possible, a best-in-class playing uniform designed for female players and allowing for individual choice” [4]. It is clear a definite decision will be reached in the coming weeks.

[1] – The Irish Examiner, GPA cites player welfare after 83% of camogie players want choice on skorts,  GPA cites player welfare after 83% of camogie players want choice on skorts

[2] – RTE, Cork and Waterford players to wear shorts in Munster camogie final, 7^th May 2025, Cork, Waterford players to wear shorts in camogie final

[3] –  RTE, Special congress called to vote on Camogie skorts issue, 8^th May 2025,Special congress called to vote on Camogie skorts issue

[4] – BBC, Munster camogie final postponed over skorts row,9^th May 2025 Munster camogie final postponed over skorts row