Blackhall Gaels stand firm in skort row as camogie clash against Killyon abandoned

The backlash by camogie players against the wearing of skorts spread to Co Meath after Thursday night's Adult Ladies Camogie Division 1 League clash between Killyon and Blackhall Gaels was abandoned after the visiting side refused to wear skorts and togged out in shorts.

After some debate between management, captains and referee, the game at the Killyon club scheduled to have a 7.45pm throw in was called off.

It's understood that the home side originally came out in shorts but changed back to the traditional skorts shortly before the game was due to start. Blackhall were given 15 minutes to follow suit and change but refused. The referee, following the rules currently in place, then called the game off.

Blackhall Gaels had decided ahead of the game that they would not be wearing the skorts which have been at the centre of controversy since the Dublin and Kilkenny camogie teams lined out in shorts almost resulting in their Leinster senior semi-final game being called off last weekend. Dublin camogie has now told refs to let games go ahead even if players refuse to wear skorts.

However, a statement issued on behalf of the Meath Camogie Executive this evening said it was urging players to abide by the current rules until a Special Congress takes place in two weeks and any potential rule changes are formally adopted.

"Following this morning’s statement from the Camogie Association regarding the upcoming Special Congress in two weeks – which will consider allowing players the choice to wear either skorts or shorts during matches, the Meath Camogie Executive is aware that some clubs are considering wearing shorts in upcoming games.

"Meath Camogie fully supports the players right to protest. In fact, Meath tabled a motion at the 2024 Congress to allow this very change, however, the motion was unfortunately defeated at that time.

That said, until the Special Congress takes place and any potential rule changes are formally adopted, the current playing rules of Camogie remain in effect. We ask all teams to respect these rules in the meantime.

"We also ask players and team mentors to respect our referees, who are obliged to uphold and enforce the current rules during all matches.

"Meath Camogie will be reaching out over the coming days to ensure that every Camogie player in Meath has an opportunity to have their voice heard on this issue. Once again, Meath will vote at the Special Congress based on the outcome of that consultation.

"Thank you for your continued support and cooperation."