Camogie Officials to Vote on Skorts Policy This Evening
The Camogie Association is holding a special congress tonight at Croke Park to address a long-debated issue—the players’ gear. A vote will take place to decide if shorts should officially be added to camogie’s kit, replacing the current requirement of skorts. This debate has caught attention both locally and internationally due to a rule in the association’s handbook that insists players must wear a “skirt/skort/divided skirt,” with no mention of shorts at all.
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Players Push Back on Outdated Rule
Under the current rules, camogie players aren’t allowed to wear shorts in competitive matches. That has sparked plenty of frustration, especially from players who’ve become more outspoken about the discomfort and impracticality of skorts. The issue, which has simmered quietly for years, finally boiled over earlier this month when Kilkenny and Dublin players made a bold statement. Before their Leinster semi-final game, they took to the field wearing shorts in protest—only to switch into skorts after officials warned the match wouldn’t go ahead otherwise.
Survey Shows Majority Want Change
A recent Gaelic Players Association survey polled 650 camogie players, revealing that 70% feel uncomfortable wearing skorts. Even more—83%—believe athletes should have the choice to wear shorts instead. Despite that, when the issue was brought before the 2024 Camogie Congress in Kildare, the motion didn’t pass. It needed a two-thirds majority (66%) but only received 45% support.
New Vote Called After Growing Pressure
Most people thought the matter was closed until at least 2027, but public and player pressure led to tonight’s special congress. Camogie Association President Brian Molloy has expressed his personal support for giving players the freedom to choose what they wear, although he emphasizes the democratic nature of the vote. “I can’t tell anyone how to vote,” he said. “But I’ve told delegates to speak with their players.”
Another Chance for Progress
Like before, tonight’s motion needs 66% approval to pass. Whether it does or not, this moment reflects a growing movement in camogie for players to have more say in decisions that affect them on and off the pitch.
