Mayo Camogie player gives her take on skort saga

LAST weekend, the camogie world was turned on its axis. Dublin’s Leinster semi-final clash against Kilkenny became a huge talking point after both sets of players lined up for the National anthem in shorts. In the rulebook, it states that players must wear skorts, which is a skirt with a pair of integral shorts hidden underneath. 

The players' actions made national headlines when referee Ray Kelly ordered that both teams go and change into shorts or he would abandon the game. The match official was following the rules of the Camogie Association, but in the intervening days the issue has reached all the way into the Dáil, such is the passionate discussions around the skort/shorts issue. 

Speaking to The Mayo News this week, Westport Camogie player Ava Lambert said her initial reaction when she heard the news last week was of surprise. "I would have thought two teams could collaborate in order to prove a point and stand up for their wishes. Of course the referee is bound by the rules but it’s disheartening to see the players having to take a stance for what they believe in”.

READ MORE: OPINION: Let them wear shorts

Lambert says the saga which has unfolded since last weekend has become a huge talking point through the sport. “I never really had a problem with wearing a skort but after the protest, I started to re-evaluate my opinion on it and now I believe that yes, it’s unfit for purpose and I completely understand why many players are unhappy with wearing them. I think the most appropriate course of action would be to give players the choice of wearing a skort or shorts.” 

When asked about this potentially damaging the Camogie Association's reputation, the Westport player stated “I wouldn’t think it would affect the sport at all negatively. It’s just players using their collective voices to raise awareness about an issue they feel strongly about. The Camogie Association now has the opportunity to engage with players on this."

This weekend, the reigning All-Ireland champions Cork face Waterford in the Munster final where it has been confirmed that both sides will wear shorts. What will happen this weekend? 

A special congress has been called for May 22, where it's expected a resolution will be found.

READ MORE: All eyes on Galway for the Mayo Ladies footballers