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Scotland Head Coach Ronald Ross Names 2015 Scotland Squad | |
13 October 2015 Scotland Head Coach Ronald Ross has named his squad for the Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling internationals against Ireland at the Bught Park on Saturday 24 October 2015 and at Croke Park four weeks later. Ronald Ross, in his second year in charge of the senior squad, has named a strong 20-man squad which, unlike last year’s 19-player pool, includes two keepers. This year’s home and away games will be played as stand-alone matches with a trophy for each and not as a series with an over-all scoring system. After announcing his squad, Ronald Ross said, “I am delighted with the squad. They have all committed to the practice sessions, we are well prepared and we have a great chance of retaining the Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling trophy in Inverness next weekend. The Irish are always tough to beat, but on our home ground and with good support, we have a real opportunity.” There are nine additions to last year’s squad. There is a recall for Glenurquhart keeper Stuart MacKintosh whilst Newtonmore’s Rory Kennedy, who missed out last year through injury, makes the step-up from the Scotland U21s where he captained the side. Kingussie’s Lee Bain is given a place as is Oban Camanachd’s Daniel Cameron who couldn’t take part in 2014 as he was on holiday. Lochaber’s Zandz Ferguson has made a timely return from injury and he is another who has previously played at U17 and U21 level. There is a recall for Newtonmore’s ace-marksman Glen MacKintosh and Kilmallie captain Liam MacDonald is one of only two players out-with shinty’s top flight to be included - the other is Conor Cormack. Glenurquhart’s Neale Reid has scored 17 goals this season and he is named in the squad after breaking an arm playing for the Scotland U21s a couple of years ago. Reid’s Glen team-mate Fraser Heath is named despite being still eligible for the Scotland U21 squad. He is another with experience at U17 and U21 level and his skill and stamina will be an asset to the squad. Lovat’s Greg Matheson and Kyles Athletic’s Andrew King are two who would have been in with a shout this year but both have succumbed to injury. The eight players that miss out from last year are Steven Morrison (Skye Camanachd) and John MacDonald (Ballachulish) who are both injured. Callum Cruden (Lovat), Louis Munro (Kingussie), John MacRae (Kinlochshiel), Fraser MacKintosh (Newtonmore) and Lorne MacKay (Lovat) are also omitted whilst Gary Innes (Fort William) has retired.
Scotland from: Goalkeepers Stuart MacDonald - Lovat Stuart MacKintosh – Glenurquhart
Defenders Callum Miller – Kyles Athletic John Barr – Glenurquhart Rory Kennedy – Newtonmore Steven MacDonald – Newtonmore Finlay MacRae - Kinlochshiel Lee Bain - Kingussie
Midfielders Paul MacArthur – Newtonmore Shaun Nicolson – Lochaber Daniel Cameron – Oban Camanachd Zandz Ferguson – Lochaber Conor Cormack – Beauly
Forwards Kevin Bartlett – Lovat Grant Irvine – Kyles Athletic Roddy MacDonald – Kyles Athletic Glen MacKintosh – Newtonmore Fraser Heath – Glenurquhart Neale Reid - Glenurquhart Liam MacDonald – Kilmallie
Head Coach - Ronald Ross Assistant Coaches - Jimmy Gow & Ally Ferguson Trainer - Neil Bowman
2015 Shinty / Hurling / Camogie International Match Schedule The Shinty / Hurling / Camogie international match schedule has been set ahead of this year’s meeting with Irish opposition.
Saturday 24 October 2015 - Bught Park, Inverness Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International Scotland Senior Men v Ireland Senior Men (Throw in – 2pm) Scotland U21 Men v Ireland U21 Men (Throw in – 11.30am) Scotland Senior Women v County Kildare Senior Women (Throw in - 10.30am) Tickets can be bought in advance from Eden Court Theatre (01463 234234 / www.eden-court.co.uk) or at the ground on the day. Prices are £10 Adults / £5 Concession / U12s go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. Discounts are available to Camanachd Association members.
Saturday 21 November 2015 – Croke Park, Dublin Hurling / Shinty International Ireland Senior Men v Scotland Senior Men (Followed by 2015 Gaelic Football v Aussie Rules International) (More details on the Croke Park encounter to follow)
(Picture courtesy of Neil G Paterson) |