In October 2008, the Alba squad travelled to Inverin in the County of Galway for Iomain Cholmcille 2008. In 2007 the Scottish Gaels had gone down 12 (3-3) to 7 (2-1) against Micheal Breathnach GAA in Oban at Feill Chaluim Chille and this was their opportunity to take the handsome Cuach Cholmcille back to Scotland.
Alba Head Coach Eoghan Stewart called on most of the players who had been unlucky (and unfamiliar) in Oban in 2007 as well as adding Donald Lamont of Aberdeen University and amongst a trio of Uibhisteach players, Keith MacDonald, who has also made the 2010 squad.
The game went ahead in beautiful sunshine at Cnoc, Micheal Breathnach's fine stadium which hosts the club's Gaelic Football, Hurling and Handball teams. However, heavy rain in the lead up to the international weekend meant the pitch was covered in long grass.
The Alba players started strongly and put the first point over the bar courtesy of Kerr Gibb but unfortunately things were to take a turn for the worst as they failed to add to this for the duration of the first period, Iain Crossal Nicolson suffered a bad hand injury and the fatigue of a long trip caught up on the players. The Breathnaigh went in at half-time 11 (2-5) - (0-1) 1 up.
However, Alba came out in the second half all guns blazing to haul back the deficit and t started to slot over the valuable 2 pointers dragging themselves back within range of their hosts. However, the Irish managed to capitalise from a couple of moments hesitation from Alba keeper Conor MacDonald and grab a couple of goals to put the game out of reach. Gilleasbuig MacDonald's goal for Alba was a little to late to stop the Irish keeping the Cuach in Ireland.
The final score was CLG Micheal Breathnach 18 (4-6) - (1-9) 12 Alba.
The Scottish players really enjoyed their time in Galway and look forward to hosting their brother Gaels in Portree.
The Alba Squad received support from Colmcille and Comann na Gaidhlig.
Colmcille are supporting Iomain Cholmcille a Tri in Portree on Saturday 13 February 2010 – Throw up 1.30pm
Alba From; Eoghan Stewart (Head Coach), Gilleasbuig MacDonald, David Grant, Kerr Gibb, Iain Nicolson, AB Connor, John Moir (all Skye Camanachd), Keith MacDonald, Ruairidh MacDonald, Steven Morrison, (all Uist Camanachd), Paul Duke, Sean MacLeod, Conor MacDonald (all Lewis Camanachd), Donald Lamont (Aberdeen University), James MacRae (Lochbroom) Allan MacDonald (Glasgow University), Kenneth Campbell (Tayforth)
Doneil MacLeod (Inverness) had to withdraw due to work commitments