Camanachd Association Explore "Champion of Champions" Event. | |
25 October 2008 The Camanachd Association have confirmed that they are exploring the idea of a new “Champion of Champions” event for early 2009. The event would be developed as an opportunity for shinty, to mark the start the new season. The Camanachd Association have announced on www.shinty.com that the new curtain raiser would bring together two teams that have excelled in competitions in 2008, to compete for a Champion of Champions cup. In confirming that discussion are ongoing to seek agreement to this new event David MacMaster, the Camanachd Association’s Director (Competitions) said “The Camanachd Association are keen to look at the possibility of developing this new prestigious event, ahead of next season, to showcase shinty skills, sportsmanship and achievement, to both existing shinty enthusiasts and audiences that may not be familiar with shinty, and to do so, close to the start of our new season in March 2009.
At this stage it is unclear whether this could become an annual event – this decision will be made if the 2009 event proves a success”. Donald Stewart, Director (Communications) for the Camanachd Association confirmed that discussions were developing with MNE Media to record an event of this type for airing on BBC ALBA in mid to late February. Mr Stewart said “The Camanachd Association is continuing discussions with BBC ALBA to increase the opportunities for shinty on television and this early match could be a truly fitting start to competitive shinty in 2009.
This story first broke in the Press & Journal on Friday 24 October 2008, when the paper suggested that the 2009 plans would involve a staging a 30 November 2008 St Andrew’s Day shinty match between Camanachd Cup winners Fort William and MacAulay Cup winners Inveraray. Whilst who takes part in the match is speculation at the moment, it does seem strange that a "Champion of Champions" event could take place without involving the Marine Harvest Premier League Champions. |