A sexism row has broken out in Ulster GAA following a recent Poc Fada competition.

Down camogie player Catherine McGourty finished first in the the female event while Paddy McKillion came out on top in the male category in the competition which was held at Hen Mountain near Hilltown in Co Down.

McGourty has highlighted the "injustice" she felt after her male counterpart received a trophy and a ski holiday for his efforts while she had to be content with just a medal.

Ulster GAA publication Gaelic Life have stepped in to secure a £500 holiday voucher for McGourty but, speaking to The Belfast Telegraph, the Ballygalget club captain pointed out: "Realistically, it's not about the holiday.

"It never really was. It's just the fact that there was such a difference between myself and the male competitor.

"Gaelic Games for me is an amateur association and I take part for the love of the sport, but it was just unequal."

The PE teacher added: "I think with the establishment of the Women's Gaelic Players' Association at the start of this year, they are there to make sure things are done right for women in sport, in particular ladies' football and camogie.

"I think it is important that it was brought to light that there was an injustice done."

GAA Ulster Council spokesman John Connolly attempted to diffuse the situation by saying: "We are not sexist. Definitely not. It was not in our brief to give away holidays or anything like that. We gave out medals, that's something we have always done, and we don't want to be branded like this.

"Integration between the different bodies - the GAA, ladies football and camogie - is an ongoing process, specially in Ulster, and we are all for it. It's not under the one umbrella as yet. But we would refute anyone suggesting we are sexist in any way."

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