So long, skorts! Kilkenny camogie plays its part as new rule is passed

The shorts v skort row is over after the Camogie Association voted to give players the right to choose.

The decision was made after 98% of delegates voted in favour of allowing players to take to the field in either shorts or skort.

While the skort (a combined skirt and shorts) has been part of the camogie uniform since 2003, players have long called for the option to have the choice of wearing shorts - over 70% of players surveyed by the Gaelic Players Association reported discomfort while wearing skorts.

CATCH-UP: Hear Katie Power's thoughts on a recent edition of the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast

The survey recorded responses from 650 intercounty camogie players, with 83% reporting players should have the option to choose either shorts or skorts. A motion to have skorts replaced was brought to the 2024 Congress, but failed.

It came back into focus this year when the Kilkenny and Dublin senior camogie teams formed part of a campaign to allow players to wear shorts instead of regulation skorts. All 30 starting players took the field in shorts, but were told by match officials to change into skorts or the game would be abandoned.

The Cats have led the way in highlighting the issue, completing their prematch warm-up for the Leinster final against Wexford in shorts before returning to the dressing-room where they changed into skorts.

The situation led to frustration across the country, with players calling for changes to be made.

"It’s a bit far-fetched, in this day and age, to be told that you have to wear a skirt because you’re a girl," Kilkenny captain Katie Power told the ’People. "It’s just not feasible anymore - we train and prepare for games in shorts; every single session, four, five, six sessions a week, but then in a game we have to wear a skirt because it’s a girls’ competition. It doesn’t really add up."

READ MORE: Kilkenny call for fair play after skort protest

The issue was finally settled last night (Thursday) when a special congress of the Camogie Association voted in favour of allowing shorts to be worn as part of the official kit.

"We are pleased to announce that delegates have voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of giving players greater choice in their playing attire," said Uachtarán Brian Molloy. "Each individual player will have the option to wear skorts or shorts - adding choice while maintaining the professionalism and uniformity of our team kits in both colour and design.

"I want to sincerely thank our incredible volunteers for their ongoing support over the last few weeks, and to our delegates for voting on behalf of over 120,000 members, including 94,000 playing members.

"As the All-Ireland Championships begin this weekend, we ask everyone to support their teams, drive higher attendances at all upcoming games, and help us fill Croke Park for the finals on August 10."

The rule change was welcomed by the Gaelic Players Association, who hailed the players for their conviction.

"The GPA would like to put on record our admiration for camogie players across Ireland and beyond, both at inter-county and club level, who made their voices heard to ensure this outcome," they said in a statement.

"The last few weeks have once again shown the necessity of putting players at the heart of decision making within Gaelic games.

"To our own membership who have led the campaign for choice, we salute your willingness to stand up for both yourselves, and future generations of camogie players."