Leinster camogie semi almost cancelled as Kilkenny and Dublin choose shorts over skorts

A protest move by Kilkenny and Dublin senior camogie teams at the Leinster senior semi-final almost saw the game called off.

The 30 players wore shorts instead of skorts, which the inter-county camogie players must wear while playing.

The move was part of a campaign to allow women the choice to wear shorts instead of the obligatory skorts, which are skirts with shorts underneath.

The referee made both teams go back to the changing rooms and switch back to skorts, or else the game would be abandoned.

After Dublin and Kilkenny eventually came back on to the pitch, Kilkenny won 4-11 to 2-12.

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Sport, Senator Evanne Ni Chuilinn said: "As recently as last week, the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) informed the Camogie Association that 83% of players find skorts uncomfortable and inappropriate. This sentiment isn’t new. Yesterday’s protest by Dublin and Kilkenny players was replicated fifteen years ago.

"The skort rule is becoming a barrier, and it has also taken away from the sport itself. Last night, we should have been talking about the game, but instead, we are talking about the impossible position female players are placed in.

"To think that the Association was happy to let two Senior intercounty squads turn up to a championship match and then refuse to let them play is infuriating for anyone trying to encourage women and girls to be active in sport.

"It is time to listen to the players and give a choice at the very least.”