Source : ABC NEWS
Ireland’s camogie players have won the right to wear shorts after the female sport’s governing body voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing its rules at a special congress on Thursday, putting an end to the recent controversy and protests which hit the headlines.
The contested rule of camogie, the women’s equivalent of hurling, stated that playing gear must include a skirt, skort or divided skirt.
Player protests and the suspension of the Munster Final between Cork and Waterford put pressure on the Camogie Association of Ireland to call a special congress, where a vote was taken.
“We are pleased to announce that delegates have voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of giving players greater choice in their playing attire,” a Camogie Association statement said.
The new rule, passed with 98 per cent of delegates in favour, will come into effect from midnight on Thursday, in time for the start of this year’s All-Ireland championship on Saturday.
Kilkenny players initially took to the field in shorts ahead of their Leinster Senior Camogie final against Wexford, before changing into skirts or skorts. (Getty Images: Sportsfile/Michael P Ryan)
“I want to sincerely thank our incredible volunteers for their ongoing support over the last few weeks, and to our delegates for voting on behalf of over 120,000 members, including 94,000 playing members,” Camogie Association president Brian Molloy said.
“As the All-Ireland Championships begin this weekend, we ask everyone to support their teams, drive higher attendances at all upcoming games, and help us fill Croke Park for the finals on 10 August.”
Two motions to introduce shorts were defeated at last year’s congress but the issue came to the fore again in the past few weeks when the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) published the results of a survey showing 83 per cent of players wanted the choice to wear shorts.
“The GPA would like to put on the record our admiration for camogie players across Ireland and beyond, both at inter-county and club level, who made their voices heard to ensure this outcome,” the GPA said in a statement.
“To our own membership who have led the campaign for choice, we salute your willingness to stand up for both yourselves, and future generations of camogie players.
“We thank the delegates who listened to players’ call for choice.
“The last few weeks have once again shown the necessity of putting players at the heart of decision making within Gaelic Games.”
ABC/Reuters
