Camogie Association propose 2026 solution to skorts protest

Camogie Association president Brian Molloy has claimed the referees at the centre of the two Leinster semi-finals where players protested by wearing shorts before throw-in, have had “abusive” and “inappropriate commentary” directed at them.

Camogie Association President Brian Molloy greets the Kilkenny team. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady.

Abusive messages sent to Camogie staff and volunteers since the skorts protest began on Saturday have been reported to An Garda Siochána.

In correspondence to units, seen by the Irish Examiner, Camogie Association president Brian Molloy has claimed that Ray Kelly and Simon Redmond, the referees at the centre of the two Leinster semi-finals where players protested by wearing shorts before throw-in, have had “abusive” and “inappropriate commentary” directed at them.

The president also stated “abusive messages” sent to Camogie staff and volunteers have reached the threshold of requiring the Ard Stiúrthóir to report them to An Garda Siochána.

Molloy’s solution to the escalating skorts protest, which erupted on Saturday afternoon when Dublin and Kilkenny lined up for their Leinster senior semi-final in shorts, before being instructed that the game would be abandoned if they didn’t change into the mandated skorts, is to bring a motion to Congress 2026 which would provide in rule the choice to wear shorts.

This motion, though, would still need to be passed by the same delegates that rejected the very same motion 13 months ago.

Camogie players are unlikely to accept the proposed solution given it kicks the issue 12 months down the road, at the end of which there is still no guarantee of change.

“I have engaged with my Ard Chomhairle colleagues and we are proposing to bring a motion to next year’s annual Congress (under the exceptional circumstances clause) which would provide in rule for a choice to wear shorts playing camogie for those players who do not wish to use a skort for whatever reason. The decision on whether this motion will be adopted will be up to Congress delegates,” Molloy wrote.

All-Ireland champions Cork have confirmed they will wear shorts for their Munster final against Waterford this Saturday and are strongly considering not leaving the pitch when the inevitable ultimatum comes to change.