9 May 2025

SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Catherine McDaid has said women in the GAA must be free to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

She was speaking after Kilkenny and Dublin players were forced to wear skorts during a recent Leinster Championship semi-final.

Councillor McDaid, who is a player and coach at her local club Steelstown GAC, said the Special Congress vote must reflect the views of camogs.

Councillor McDaid said:

“It is incredible that in 2025 camogie players were told to change out of shorts or face their important semi-final match being abandoned. This is an issue that stretches far beyond a Leinster Championship semi-final and women right across the GAA and this island are outraged at yet another example of the misogyny that continues to permeate our society.

“This is a draconian rule that should have been dealt with in the 1970s. At the heart of everything the GAA does is its values and equality is a huge part of that. I am proud to be a member of my local GAA club and would encourage anyone to get involved, but part of those values and ethos needs to include accepting when we’ve got something wrong and addressing it. That is clearly the case here.

“I am extremely proud of the Kilkenny and Dublin players for taking a stand on this issue and the women around the country who have followed suit and supported them. Nobody should be able to force women to wear something they’re not comfortable in when engaging in sport or otherwise. This outdated rule must be abolished once and for all at the upcoming Special Congress vote.”