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Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil Casts His Eye Over Irish Squad. | |
19 October 2011 Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil was an interested man as Ireland Head Coach Joe Dooley announced his panel for the 2011 Shinty / Hurling international double–header against the Scots. McNeil was quick to notice that the Irish have had a significant turnover from last year’s squad. “The Irish squad only retains 4 players from last year,” he said. “However last year’s squad contained a lot of guys who had progressed through the U21’s so I expect it to be the same this year. I’m sure they all will have played Shinty / Hurling at some point.” The Scotland boss was delighted to see the Irish include several of their big guns. “It will be a great opportunity for our boys to play against hurling players like Kilkenny’s Michael Rice, Tipperary pair Brendan Maher and Eoin Kelly and Joe Bergin from Offaly. They are all household names in Irish Hurling.” McNeil wasn’t too disappointed to note one absentee amongst the Irish ranks. “I’m glad Shane Dooley isn’t included though!” he smiled. A reference to the fact Dooley scored five of Ireland’s seven goals over both games last year. The Scots have won on their last two trips to Ireland however they are mindful that the Irish have won on their last two trips to Scotland. Scotland beat Ireland (2-16) 22-21 (2-15) at Croke Park, Ireland in the first test last year. This gave the Scots a 3-1 lead after the first test as the victory gave the Scots two points and each side earned a point for scoring two or more goals. However Ireland won (5-6) 21-16 (3-7) at the Bught Park, Inverness which squared the series at 4-4 but Ireland took the Marine Harvest Quaich with a 42-38 aggregate score in the closest of outcomes. The 2011 Scotland coaching team is; Drew McNeil – Head Coach Kenny Ross - Assistant Coach George Hay - Assistant coach Scott McNeil – Goalkeeping Coach Neil Bowman - Trainer Dr Karen Massey - Doctor 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 |