@herdotie The debate over skorts in camogie is far from over. We spoke to Aisling Maher, captain of the Dublin senior camogie team, after the Dublin and Kilkenny teams protested by wearing shorts during their recent Leinster semi-final, a move that nearly led to the game being abandoned. In the wake of that protest, the Munster senior camogie final between Cork and Waterford has been deferred, as both teams had also planned to wear shorts in solidarity. With pressure mounting on the sport’s governing bodies to respond to players’ demands, a special congress will take place on May 22nd to decide whether camogie players should have the option to wear shorts instead of skorts. @aislingmaher says wearing skorts in the meantime would feel like a “backward step”. #camogie #aislingmaher #skorts ♬ original sound - Herdotie

The debate over skorts in camogie has intensified, with players advocating for the choice to wear shorts instead of the traditional skorts.

While some argue that skorts preserve the sport’s heritage, others believe they hinder performance and reinforce outdated gender norms.

As the controversy reaches political and sporting leadership, a special congress has been scheduled to address the issue, signaling potential change for the future of camogie.

The Controversy: Tradition vs. Progress

The 1928 Dublin camogie team trailblazers of the game

Camogie, Ireland’s beloved women’s stick-and-ball sport, has long upheld certain traditions—including the use of skorts, a hybrid of skirts and shorts. While some see this as a nod to the sport’s rich heritage, others argue that it reinforces outdated gender norms, sparking debate over whether players should have the choice to wear traditional skirts or opt for more practical athletic shorts.

The Argument for Skorts: Preserving Heritage

The 1970 All Ireland Camogie Final

Supporters of skorts emphasize camogie’s deep cultural roots, viewing the attire as an integral part of the sport’s identity. They argue that maintaining skorts connects players to generations of women who came before them, ensuring that camogie retains its distinct character separate from its male counterpart, hurling. In 2018, camogie, along with hurling, was added to UNESCO’s list of protected cultural activities, reinforcing its significance as an essential part of Ireland’s sporting heritage. Advocates for tradition believe that skorts honor this recognition, preserving the visual and symbolic aspects that distinguish the game on a global scale. However, as modern sports continue to evolve, some question whether tradition should outweigh functionality and player comfort in today’s competitive environment.

The Case for Change: Functionality and Equality

Camogie players at Thomas Davis GAA club in Dublin have said they hope players will soon be allowed to choose whether they want to wear skorts or shorts when playing matches.

On the other side of the debate, many athletes and advocates push for the option to wear shorts, citing comfort, mobility, and fairness. They argue that requiring skorts places an unnecessary burden on female athletes, highlighting the need for gender parity in sportswear—particularly in a fast-paced, physically demanding sport like camogie.

Public Outcry and Player Testimonies

@irelandamvmtv "We want to wear shorts and we're sick of people telling us what we have to wear when we're playing our sport" Dublin #Camogie Captain Aisling Maher and Alan Kelly TD explain why camogie players are protesting & why they are advocating for the choice to wear shorts over #skorts. #IrelandAM #dublin #news #irishnews #irishtiktok #gaa #camogie #skort #skorts #womeninsports #sportsnews #sports #sportstiktok #camogieassociation ♬ original sound - Ireland AM

The controversy reached a boiling point when Dublin camogie captain Aisling Maher described the issue as a “career low” after players were forced to change into skorts during a Leinster Senior semi-final. She stressed that 83% of players want the option to wear shorts, and 70% feel skorts hinder athletic performance. Cork’s camogie team reaffirmed its commitment to wearing shorts in their upcoming Munster final against Waterford, defying official uniform regulations despite pressure from governing bodies.

Political Backing and Legislative Discussion

Senator McCormack and other Sinn Féin TDs and Senators stood in solidarity with camogie players by wearing shorts in Leinster House.

Senator Maria McCormack stood in solidarity with players, even wearing shorts into the Seanad chamber to emphasize the issue. Ava Keady has spoken out about the unfairness of female athletes having to “ask permission” to wear shorts while competing, highlighting the broader gender equality discussion in sports. The controversy has reached the Dáil Éireann, with Labour TD Alan Kelly calling the situation “ridiculous” and urging immediate reform.

Potential Solutions and the Future of Camogie

Aisling Maher, captain of the Dublin senior camogie team

The Camogie Association has scheduled a special congress on May 22 to address the matter, but players and advocates continue to push for immediate action. Some clubs and organizations are calling for a more flexible approach, allowing players to choose between wearing skorts or shorts based on their preference. As Ireland continues to embrace progress in sports, camogie’s dress code could evolve—ensuring the game remains competitive while respecting tradition.

#CamogieDebate 🏆 #SkortsVsShorts ⚡ #EqualityInSport 🚀 #TraditionOrProgress 🤔 #LetPlayersChoose 💪