Hebridean Celtic Festival Set To Swing To Shinty Sound Once Again. | |
11 July 2011 The traditional HebCelt Festival Inter-Island shinty match between fierce rivals Camanachd Leòdhais and Uist Camanachd takes place at Bayhead Park, Stornoway on Saturday 16 July 2011. This match has provided Festival goers with thrilling entertainment over the years and the 2011 fixture clash of the ash between the sides promises to be the most exciting yet. Both teams now compete in mainland competition. Lewis have made the historic leap to full-time participation in Marine Harvest North Division 3 this season whilst Uist compete in the Camanachd Association Development League. However, the “HebCelt” is the one trophy that both sides want to win the most. The Leòdhasaich re-claimed the trophy in 2010 but the Uibhistich will be hoping that they can take bragging rights to the Southern Isles again after two years. Shinty is the fastest growing sport in the Western Isles and was the traditional sport of the islands before it was usurped by football in the early 20th century. Its resurgence has been down to hard work and dedication by players and volunteers and the opportunity to play in front of a large crowd is a major boost for all involved. Reflecting the fact that any rivalry is left on the pitch, both teams will then attend the evening’s festivities in the Big Blue Tent together, where KT Tunstall is headlining. Speaking of the sporting battle, Caroline MacLennan, Festival Director, said: "The partnership of shinty and the Hebridean Celtic Festival is a unique and exciting one, reinvigorating old traditions in a new and vital way.” "Shinty always provides festival-goers with an intense sporting spectacle as part of the Festival Fringe and the Festival provides a magnificent opportunity for the exposure of this excellent sport in the Outer Hebrides. We’ve had people from Lewis, England, Australia and the USA all taking in the game and they always comment on how fast and brave the players are." Competition organiser Eòghan Stewart is looking forward to a bumper crowd this year and he is praying for good weather. “The last few years have seen the fixture go from strength to strength and although the crowds have been big, it always seems to rain just about that time people are thinking about coming out to watch.” “A hot, sunny day and I’d expect a few hundred at least, but rain, hail or shine, they are guaranteed 90 minutes of excitement and entertainment. I’d like to thank the Festival for this opportunity to showcase the sport every year and if you haven’t ever seen shinty before, then why not come along and cheer on both sides.” In a change to the Festival programme, the game throws-up at 1.30pm, half an hour earlier than advertised. Donations can be made at the gate. |