2014 Hebridean Celtic Festival Inter-Island Shinty Challenge Cup | |
16 July 2014 The highly anticipated Hebridean Celtic Festival Inter-Island Shinty Challenge Cup clash between Camanachd Leòdhais and Uist Camanachd takes place at Bayhead Park, Stornoway on Saturday 19 July 2014. This will be the eighth encounter between Camanachd Leòdhais and Uist Camanachd and it is part of the Western Isles' multi-award winning festival. The Leòdhasaich are current holders but a strong challenge is expected from the Uibhistich who will be out for revenge after relinquishing the cup in 2013. This year's cup was launched at the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar / Camanachd Leòdhais Commonwealth Games Shinty Camp by young attendees James Murray and Rory MacDiarmid who play for lowland clubs Camanachd Dhùn Èideann and Glasgow Gaels but have strong family connections with Lewis. They have enjoyed developing their skills at this week’s Camp which was run by Scotland Women's Assistant Coach Eòghan Stewart and Edinburgh University's Ally Lamont. The Hebridean Celtic Festival is yet again kindly providing hospitality to both teams and Festival Director Caroline MacLennan 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 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.” The Cup has also attracted a new supporter in the form of The Co-operative. The Co-operative Group have supported the Shinty Camp and will also have pre-cup-final events to encourage young players into the sport. Stephen Kelly, Co-operative and Membership Manager at The Co-operative Group, added: “Playing an active role in the community is very important to The Co-operative and we are really pleased to be able to do our bit to support this year’s HebCelt Festival and Shinty Cup which I’m sure will be a great success.” Entry is by donation and throw up is 1.30pm. |