Shinty / Hurling International Under Threat As Funding Bid Fails. | |
17 April 2009 The Oban Times is reporting that major funding concerns have arisen over two key shinty dates, as the ruling Camanachd Association gets to grips with the resignation of chief executive Gill McDonald. Within weeks of the departure of three directors, Shinty’s first ever female CEO has decided to move on. McDonald (50) was initially appointed on a three year contract but her employment was changed to part-time hours within the last year, with a three month review. Feeling increasingly isolated, McDonald opted last week to end her association with the sport, leaving questions over whether shinty needs a full-time CEO. Now, with just a fortnight until the sport’s AGM, cash worries are also hitting the Camanachd Association. Officials have been left baffled as to why a grant application for £18,000 made to Highland Council’s Highland Cultural Programme has been rejected for this year’s international. The televised clash between With no major sponsor yet on the horizon, £40,000 will have to be found if the clash is to be honoured properly. Officials hope to host a senior shinty/hurling match, under 21 tie and ladies shinty / camogie clash, especially as the game marks the 125th anniversary of the Gaelic Athletic Association of Ireland. That may not be possible, unless backers come forward. ‘We find the rejection of our funding application very surprising,” said director, Donald Stewart. ‘Effectively, Highland Council, who administer this fund, has decided a sport indigenous to the ‘It may be that we have to cut our cloth accordingly and, perhaps, only have a senior clash. Obviously, we appreciate these are very difficult times financially for businesses but we hope someone will come forward.’ Fiona Hampton of Highland Council said she was disappointed the Association had decided to question the Council’s decision publicly. ‘I am disappointed because we have given funding support to shinty on more than one occasion,’ she said. ‘Every application is considered on the strength of the information provided by the applicant.’ As yet, there is no sponsor for this season’s MacTavish Cup competition, with less than two months to go to the final. Click on the link below to read the article |