Irish camogie players have had enough of being required to wear skirts (or skorts) during matches. In a coordinated effort before a state game on Saturday, players from Dublin and Kilkenny opted to wear shorts instead, drawing attention and support from politicians and commentators who feel the dress code for women’s sports is outdated.
Many players say that these skirts are uncomfortable and may even discourage participation in camogie by girls and women. Niamh Gannon, the captain of the Dublin Camogie Team, spoke about how the dress requirement affects mental health, particularly when players can’t look back at game photos without feeling discontent about their attire.
She also mentioned that at least one young girl stopped playing camogie altogether because of discomfort with the required outfit. “In other areas of our lives, we’re not told we must wear something akin to a skirt,” she pointed out.
After years of complaints regarding Rule 6(b) of the Sport Code, which mandates players wear “skirts/scoats/split skirts”, the situation escalated when a referee threatened to abandon a match. This protest has since fueled broader demands for the Ireland’s Camogie Association to reevaluate these rules.
Simon Harris, Ireland’s Tánaiste, commented on social media about the situation, while Alan Kelly, chair of the Irish Parliament’s Sports Committee, expressed his desire to discuss the issue with the Camogie Society. He remarked, “It’s quite absurd that in this day and age, there exists a rule mandating skirts for camogie players rather than allowing them to choose their preferred attire for matches.”
Kelly emphasized the importance of not ignoring this issue, asserting that athletes should not have to endure uncomfortable clothing.
The skorts feature layered fabric panels over tight shorts, creating a skirt-like appearance. A recent survey by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) revealed that 70% of respondents felt uncomfortable in a skirt, with 83% wanting the option to choose between shorts and skirts.
Aisling Maher, co-chair of the GPA, expressed her affection for the sport but criticized the skort requirements. “Why is it that in my sport, I’m dictated to wear something resembling a skirt just because I’m identified as a girl?” she questioned.
Meanwhile, camogie players from the Gaelic Games Association club in London initiated a shorts campaign back in 2023. In a statement released on Sunday, the association mentioned that it is looking into democratic processes regarding the rules. They are forming working groups to assess a variety of skirts from both domestic and international sources. Testing for comfort, fit, and design is set to start in mid-May, including input from club and county teams, as well as adult and youth players.
