Leinster camogie finalists to partake in skorts protest

Kilkenny are one of four Leinster camogie finalists that will play "under protest" this weekend

Four camogie panels involved in Leinster senior and intermediate finals on Saturday have stated their intention to wear shorts in the deciders to protest against the ongoing skorts controversy.

Senior camogie finalists Kilkenny and Wexford as well as intermediate finalists Carlow and Laois said they will wear shorts but will change into skorts if asked by the referee to ensure the deciders go ahead.

A joint statement issued by the Gaelic Players Association on behalf of the panels on Wednesday said: "Today, we come together, united, to make an almost impossible choice because camogie authorities refuse to do so.

"We will be togged out in shorts at Netwatch Cullen Park on Saturday and we want our choice to be respected.

"However, if the current outdated rule is enforced, we will change into skorts, solely to ensure the games are not abandoned. We will play the games under protest."

Fourth protest in May

Dublin captain Aisling Maher took to social media after the game against Kilkenny earlier this month to say she was "sick of being forced to wear a skort that is uncomfortable and unfit for purpose"

As part of the protest, the four sides "do not consent to any photography or video to be taken of the matches themselves, should we be forced to wear skorts," the statement continued.

"We call on the Leinster Council to ensure this is enforced and we ask both the media and supporters to respect our position."

Kilkenny, along with Dublin were forced to change into the skorts required under camogie rules before their Leinster Championship semi-final could go ahead after taking to the field in shorts earlier this month.

The ongoing row led to Munster Camogie postponing last weekend's scheduled provincial final after the Cork and Waterford players confirmed their intention to wear shorts in the game in protest at the sport's rule.

Cork and Waterford's players responded by saying that they felt "completely let down" by the decision.

On Sunday, Derry players were told to change from shorts into skorts before their Ulster Senior Final defeat by Antrim.

The sport's governing body, the Camogie Association, has called a Special Congress for 22 May to vote on the issue, which if passed would give players the option to wear shorts from 24 May.

"We have made this decision based on the belief and trust that players will be listened to and heard. We expect camogie delegates will vote for choice at Special Congress on 22 May and that no further protest will be necessary," the statement added.

"We stand steadfastly with our fellow players in demanding that choice."