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Ireland v Scotland – Shinty / Hurling International …………. 2 Days To Go! | |
20 October 2011 Skye Camanachd captain Somhairle MacDonald said he was honoured to receive a call up for the Scotland squad ahead of the Shinty / Hurling international first test against Ireland in Athy, Co. Kildare on Saturday 22 October 2011. MacDonald had attended all the Scotland fitness and training sessions ahead of the final squad selection and he was on the stand-by list for the international double header. He has been called up in place of Kyles Athletic's Roddy MacDonald who misses the trip because of unavoidable work committments. “I was delighted to get the phone call from Drew,” he said. “You always feel for any player who has to drop out of the squad and I feel for Roddy (MacDonald). I suppose Roddy's absence has given me a chance to hopefully show what I can do in the first test in Ireland. It is a just huge honour to be involved with the squad.” When asked about the make up of the squad, MacDonald added, “There are some non Premier Division players in the squad but that certainly doesn’t mean that there is any lack of quality. It is a very strong squad and all the players are there on merit. They have all had good seasons with their clubs and they have all impressed Drew and his coaches.” MacDonald has also been impressed by the preparation ahead of the international series. “Putting the squad together has been a very thorough process,” he said. “All the sessions have been geared specifically towards Shinty / Hurling rather than focused purely on shinty skills. This makes you realise that Shinty / Hurling has its own sporting entity.” “When I think back to all the fantastic shinty players that I’ve been involved with at Skye Camanachd over the years who have not had this opportunity, it brings it home to you what a privilege this is.” The Ireland and Scotland senior sides meet at Athy, Co. Kildare in the first test on Saturday 22 October 2011. The match may be streamed live over the internet by Irish channel TG4. There will be delayed coverage of the match on BBC ALBA at 4pm on Sunday 23 October 2011. The second test between Scotland and Ireland takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 29 October 2011. The match starts at 2pm and will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland if you are unable to make the game. The second test will be preceded by a Challenge Shinty / Camogie match between Scotland and the British Universities side which starts at 10.30am. The Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 sides clash at 12 noon. Click on the following link to book your ticket for a full day’s action https://www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/shows/marine-harvest-shinty-hurling-international |