'Shock' in Laois at Gaelic games fixtures schedule as Portlaoise concede camogie match

Concerns over player welfare in ladies' sport in Laois have intensified following last weekend's fixture clash that forced Portlaoise Camogie Club to concede a championship tie.

The club announced that its Senior Camogie team could not fulfil their Intermediate Championship fixture due to a direct clash with their Junior Ladies Footballers’ county semi-final last Saturday evening, September 13.

In a statement, Portlaoise GAA said: "Unfortunately, our Junior Ladies Footballers and Senior Camogie teams are fixed at the same time tonight, creating a clash for dual players and supporters. We have reached out to both county associations to express our disappointment that no alternative arrangements could be made. While this will not change tonight’s clash, we hope to open constructive dialogue with both bodies to avoid clashes across the codes in future."

"We understand the calendar is tight. As a dual club, we are concerned that further clashes will force players to choose one code over another. That is a disservice to players who give huge effort to represent Portlaoise in both codes. This is not unique to our club and reflects the reality of dual participation across the county. We would welcome sensible accommodation when clashes arise."

The club described the decision as a difficult but necessary one: " This decision was taken with a heavy heart. There is significant crossover between both squads and, with our Junior Ladies Footballers playing a county semi final this evening, the club has prioritised that fixture. We’re very disappointed as a club for our players, mentors and supporters. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support both squads," the statement read.

The issue has also been strongly criticised by Declan Egan, Treasurer of O’Moore’s Camogie Club, who, in an email to the Leinster Express/Laois Live said dual players across Laois are being put under 'unsustainable pressure.'

"I am shocked at how ladies are made to play a football fixture one day and less than 24 hours later are made to play a camogie fixture, or vice versa. This has been a constant thread over the last three years at all female age groups in Laois. How can this be allowed to happen in 2025? Then again, it’s only this year that women in camogie were finally allowed to wear shorts and that only came about when the most important people of all stood up, the players themselves," he wrote.

Egan noted that while Portlaoise should not have had to forfeit, their decision showed respect for player welfare: "It was not Portlaoise’s fault that they have dual players and needed to prioritise in the best interest of the players’ welfare and wellbeing. If this had been a men’s team unable to field, it would have made the headlines."

Both Portlaoise and O’Moore’s are calling for a coordinated approach between Laois LGFA and Laois Camogie. Players and clubs have repeatedly asked that football and camogie fixtures be scheduled on alternate weekends.

"All the girls are asking is to have camogie and football on alternate weekends. It will give proper rest time to prepare and recover for your next fixture. This was trialled in Offaly two years ago and has been a resounding success," Egan concluded.

The Leinster Express/Laois Live have reached out to both Laois LGFA and Laois Camogie for comment and are currently awaiting responses.

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