Leinster camogie players lack the resolve of their Munster counterparts
Skorts - to wear, or not to wear, that is the question
THE skort controversy has now spread into Leinster. With the Leinster senior and intermediate camogie finals down for decision in Carlow tomorrow (Saturday) the players of the participating counties – Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny and Dublin – have taken what can only be described as a puzzling stance.
Kilkenny and Wexford play in the senior final, with Carlow and Laois opposing each other in the intermediate final.
In a statement issued earlier this week by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), on behalf of panels from all four participating counties, says the players will take to the pitch in Netwatch Cullen Park wearing shorts.
The statement goes on to say that should the referee in either game insist on imposing the controversial skort rule before the throw-in, the players will change from shorts to skorts.
But this is where their protest takes what can only be described as a bizarre twist. As part of the protest, consent has been withdrawn for any photography or videoing of the games.
You have to wonder who will this discommode the most – the spectators, the players or even their sponsors.
The full statement reads:
"This weekend, following months of training and preparation, we are scheduled to go head-to-head for Leinster titles. 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"However, if the current outdated rule is enforced, we will change into skorts, solely to ensure the games are not abandoned.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.
"As part of this protest, we do not consent to any photography or video to be taken of the matches themselves, should we be forced to wear skorts.
"We call on the Leinster Council to ensure this is enforced and we ask both the media and supporters to respect our position.
"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 May 22 and that no further protest will be necessary.
"We stand steadfastly with our fellow players in demanding that choice," said the statement.
To say they stand steadfastly with their fellow players is somewhat ambiguous.
A week ago Cork and Waterford were due to play each other in the Munster senior final. Both teams steadfastly declared they would not play the final if forced to wear skorts. They were prepared to make a real sacrifice, to throw away the chance of winning a provincial medal.
In the end the Munster Camogie Council called off the game less than 24 hours before it was due to be played.
I think it is a real pity that the Leinster players did not take a similar stand. That would have been a real protest, displaying true tenacity and courage.
How can denying photographers the right to carry pout their job, denying spectators the right to see photographs of the game, and, indeed, the players denying themselves the opportunity to look back on memories of what is a very special day in their careers.
OH, and by the way, will stewards in Netwatch Cullen park be patrolling the stand and terraces to make sue no spectators takes out a phone to take a picture……….
The whole process defies logic.
OOOPS - Another aside. A number of camogie teams that participated the Cumann na mBunscol finals this week might find themselves in trouble with the authorities. With 11 camogie finals play barely a skort was witnessed. And if the rules are to be implemented, the wearing of skorts is also compulsory at juvenile level.
