Kildare camogie panel criticise county board's 'disrespect' over championship withdrawal

The Kildare Intermediate camogie panel has criticised Kildare county board for allegedly withdrawing the team from this season's All-Ireland Championship without their consent.

In a statement issued of their behalf by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), the squad said they were informed of the county board's decision to withdraw from the competition on Friday afternoon via a WhatsApp message posted in the players' group chat.

The statement further claimed the message said "[the county board] would be making no further comment".

Open Letter to the camogie clubs in Kildare issued on behalf of the Kildare Intermediate Camogie Panel. pic.twitter.com/n5z5Rw3sge

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) May 9, 2023

The players said the matter has caused them "great distress" and anger, adding: "This is not only because this decision has been taken without our consent, but also because of the disrespect that has been shown in how the decision has been communicated to us."

The statement, shared on Tuesday evening, continued: "We want to be very clear. We want to represent Kildare to the best of our ability in the camogie championship. This is and has always been the case."

They added the panel had been involved in discussions with the county board executive regarding "a number of matters".

They alleged a charter agreed by the players, executive and county management team was not being adhered to, claiming the squad did not have access to showers and changing-room facilities after training sessions.

The panel also claimed a decision was taken by the county board that senior county players would not be permitted to play in the club leagues, even at the discretion of the county manager, a decision with which they said they do not agree.

"It had