Cork and Waterford feel 'let down' by final deferral

Cork and Waterford Camogie have issued a joint statement through the Gaelic Players Association on yesterday's decision by Munster Camogie to defer today's final over the intention of both teams to tog out in shorts.

The match had been scheduled to take place at the Tipperary County Camogie Grounds, The Ragg, at 1pm today.

Both teams indicated on Wednesday their intention to wear shorts for the provincial decider, a move that saw the Camogie Association call a Special Congress for 22 May, where a motion to resolve the controversy surrounding players being forced to wear skorts would be put to a vote.

The GPA issued a statement this afternoon on behalf of both the affected panels that said: "As a united group of players, we want to express our bitter disappointment that today's Munster Senior Camogie Final has been postponed."

The statement also expressed the disappointment of the players for the lack of regard for their preparation for the occasion.

"It shows scant regard for the preparation of players both physically and mentally to be ready for a provincial showpiece, to make this decision just 16 hours before the scheduled throw-in.

"Anyone with an understanding of what it takes to compete in elite sport knows that this could never be in the best interests of players.

"We feel completely let down. Both panels had meticulously planned to peak for today. Training schedules and workload will now have to be readjusted, while not even knowing when the game will take place.

"There was an opportunity to take a step forward from the recent controversy. Instead, a provincial final has been postponed because we took control of what we would wear.

"To us, that feels like a massive step backwards."

A date has yet to be set for the deferred Munster final.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Ursula Jacob described the late call as a "real kick in the teeth".

"I can see why the players feel let down by the association. I can sense the frustration from these girls," said the four-time All-Ireland winner. "Sixteen hours notice? Why were they only given that amount of notice? When is it going to be refixed for?"

The former Wexford forward referenced the Leinster minor final on Saturday afternoon, where both Dublin and Offaly wore shorts before a lengthy consultation with officials, which saw them change into skorts.

"Players don't want to be in the spotlight for these reasons. They want to focus on the games. This week has been a little bit of a circus," she said. "It's not good enough."

She added: "I think it's a real kick in the teeth for the players."