'It is absolutely ludicrous' - Carla Ward on skort controversy

OLD MENTALITY: Carla Ward has waded into the skorts controversy, the Ireland manager initially believing the restriction was a joke. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Carla Ward has waded into the skorts controversy, the Ireland manager initially believing the restriction was a joke.

The Englishwoman took up the reins earlier this year and concludes the Nations League B campaign against Slovenia at Pairc Uí Chaoímh on Tuesday, June 3.

She was recently made aware of the brewing storm in Camogie by her fellow FAI staff members but originally didn’t take it seriously.

The row over females being forbidden to wear shorts in matches has since escalated with Saturday’s Munster final between Cork and Waterford postponed by the hierarchy.

A special congress ballot on May 22 will decide whether to lift a stipulation which Ward brands “crazy”.

"It is absolutely ludicrous,” said the former Aston Villa and Birmingham City manager.

“Some of the staff shared it, when it first happened, and I did say 'is this some sort of joke?' It is absolutely mental to be even having these sort of conversations in 2025.

"It is an old mentality, isn't it? There are still some countries who have an old mentality towards women.

"Women are getting there in a lot of places but, I'll be honest with you, it did blow my mind that anyone in this country could have the mindset that women couldn't wear shorts."

“What does that say about the people at the top? Should they really be there or should they move on, and pass the baton to a different generation.

"Ireland is a big sporting country so it is just unbelievable. It is very outdated."

Meanwhile, Ward has lost Liverpool’s Leanne Kiernan and Everton’s Heather Payne for the upcoming double-header that begins in Turkey on May 30, yet Louise Quinn might be on the plane to Istanbul.

Centurion Quinn last month announced her retirement but despite finishing with Birmingham City last week could have a farewell over these pair of matches.

“She has made herself available until the summer,” updated Ward.

“I think when she called me, she called me to say, I'm going to retire from football, but in the summer, and I said, OK. I said, what does that look like then? And she said, I want to let you know I'm available. I'm available for camp. And I said, okay, okay, that's good to know.

“So we've had a few conversations and she's such a top pro. I've said it a lot. I think one thing we've lacked as leaders. I said that we need to create new leaders. Do I think Lou can play a part in helping those young players breed leadership? Absolutely, I do.

“Maybe she’ll be in Turkey or maybe not. You have to wait till next week when the squad is announced.”