12 October 2010
Iomain Cholmcille, the international Gaelic shinty-hurling fixture, was held in Inverin, Galway on Saturday 9 October 2010 and was a massive success for both the sport and language of the Gael. Cumann Mícheál Breathnach won the game against the Scottish Gaels 15-13 yet everybody who was involved was a winner at the event which lasted three days in the Connemara Gaeltacht. Over and above the big international, there was a camogie exhibition and youth coaching as well. The Albannaich also took a trip to the Aran Islands and there was great friendship and enjoyment after the game at ceilidhs. Although Alba received a warm welcome, it wasn’t sunny on the day. Alba started with a strong wind at their back and they got two early points from Skye Camanachd player / manager Aonghas MacDonald who would score 7 points altogether. Scotland were playing strongly and tidily with Crisdean Finlayson prominent and he put over a good point. Sean MacLeod also got a good point and the wee Leòdhasach was just delighted but unfortunately the Scots did not take enough of their many opportunities in the first half. The strong wind was of great assistance to the Breathnaich in the second half and Adrian and End O Tuathail scored important points. Although the Alba defence were struggling to clear the ball, they came back and scored a fine free hit. Alba were comfortable enough until James MacRae diverted a dangerous ball from the middle of the park by Sean O Finneadha past his own cousin Duncan MacRae which squared the match and when Naoise O Lionaird scored a goal, the Breathnaich were ahead for the first time. Two points from Aonghas MacDonald with 5 minutes to go cut the deficit but the crowd of near 500 who were at the game made a joyful noise when the whistle went just as David Grant missed an opportunity to score. The famous Irish broadcaster, Sean Ban Breathnach, the Irish chairman said “This was the best game since we started in 2007 and it gets better each and every year. We want to return to Scotland in big numbers next year.” The ALBA manager, Eòghan Stewart was a divided man “As a manager I’m gutted that we lost when we were so close but on the other hand as an organiser of the event I’m delighted. It was a good, hard game and that it was a fine spectacle for the masses who attended. It all adds to the event and we are humbled by the hospitality of the people here.” Adrian O Tuathail and Iain MacNeacail lifted the MG ALBA awards for players of the match but Stewart praised the efforts of his squad both off and on the park. “We didn’t score enough points when we had the wind but I can’t complain about the commitment. I’m also delighted at how the lads used Gaelic together on the park and afterwards at the ceilidhs. It is important to be in a community where Gaelic is spoken all the time and all the lads’ Gaelic improved greatly. I’d like to single out Crisdean Finlayson for praise especially.” The Cholmcille Celtic Cup was presented to Enda O Tuathail by Allan Milton, GAA communications director and he said “It was an excellent game and we will see how we can support this event in future years.” Iomain Cholmcille receives support from Colmcille, the group which aims to strengthen links between the Gaels of Scotland and Ireland. With how successful this event is from year to year, it is obvious that it is great value for money. |