Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ had a very successful day at the 21st GS Campbell (Contractors) LTD National First Shinty Festivals in Fort William on Saturday 16 February 2019.
Over 100 teams from across Scotland competed in local area qualifiers for a place in this year’s finals which were again split into two categories.
The Portree youngsters not only won the P7 (& under) tournament but only lost out in the P5 (& under) tournament in the semi-finals to a golden goal scored by eventual winners Newtonmore.
P7 (& under) Tournament
The P7 (& under) tournament took place at the Nevis Centre and, following the group stages consisting of eleven teams, Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ topped their section on maximum points. They then beat Aberdour 3-2 in the semi-finals to reach the final.
Balnain, who finished second in the Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ group, defeated the other group winners Inverlochy 3-0 to book their final spot.
Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ were 4-2 winners in the final against Balnain. Phort Righ raced into a 3-0 lead but Balnain scored twice to narrow the gap to a single goal. However Phort Righ added a fourth goal to win the championship and they went through the tournament winning every game.
Willie MacDonald, the Camanachd Association’s Youth Director, presented the trophy and medals to all the players and coaches and the team photo is courtesy of Iain Ferguson.
The Fair Play Award went to Dingwall Primary School.
P5 (& under) Tournament
The P5 (& under) competition was held at Lochaber High School.
Newtonmore and Cradlehall qualified from a highly competitive Section A, with the Glasgow Gaels and Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ qualifying from an equally competitive Section B.
The semi-finals were thrilling encounters with Newtonmore edging out Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ 3-2 only on a golden goal whilst the Glasgow Gaels defeated Cradlehall Primary 5-1.
The final was dominated by the classy Newtonmore side, led by the outstanding Joe Coyle, and they proved too strong for the Glasgow Gaels, running out worthy 9-1 winners.
The Fair Play Award went to Inveraray.