Glenurquhart Wow The Crowds In Big Apple Clash of the Ash | |
21 April 2016 2015 RBS MacTavish Cup winners Glenurquhart wowed the crowds in New York City as they took part in the 18th Annual Tartan Week on Saturday 9 April 2016 followed by an exhibition shinty match at Dyckman Soccer Field on Sunday 10 April 2016. Glenurquhart were invited to take part in the Tartan Week celebrations by Alan L Bain, President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, who suggested they take the side across, march in the parade and showcase Scotland’s indigenous sport with an exhibition match. A party of 30 players and officials, accompanied by Camanachd Association President and Glenurquhart native Jim Barr, left Drumnadrochit for New York on Friday 8 April 2016. The Blairbeg side caught the eye as they took part in the Tartan Day Parade down 6th Avenue on Saturday 9 April 2016. The Parade took place in wet conditions but that didn’t dampen the spirits. The Glen squad were greeted by caman wielding Actor and Director Sam Heughan. The exhibition match the following day was played on the banks of the River Hudson. A good-sized crowd gathered to watch the game, including two coach loads of intrigued New Yorkers, especially bussed in for the occasion. Two full teams took the field with US Camanachd President Michael Bentley guesting for The Green team and Glenurquhart President Garry MacKintosh lining up for the Glen side. The Glen looked to have the stronger team on paper but it was the Greens who took the spoils with a 5-1 victory. Neale Reid and James MacPherson each scored twice, added to by a John Barr own goal. Fraser Heath countered for the Glen. The Greens from: Euan Lloyd; Lewis MacLennan, Michael Brady, James Hurwood, Michael Bentley; Iain MacLeod, Callum Smith, Arran MacDonald; David Smart, Cairn Urquhart, Neale Reid, James MacPherson; The Glen from: Stuart MacKintosh, Stuart Reid, Andrew Corrigan, Rory MacLean, John Barr; David MacLennan, Ally MacKintosh, Eddie Tembo; Fraser Heath, Garry MacKintosh, Michael Fraser, Billy Urquhart; Match Referee – Andy Lloyd Goal Judges – Ron Fraser, Ken Fraser Camanachd Association President Jim Barr made a presentation to Glenurquhart President Garry MacKintosh as a thank you for making the trip. There was also a presentation to US Camanachd President Michael Bentley for continuing to fly the shinty flag in the States. Garry MacKintosh then handed over a gift to a Tartan Day representative who helped organise the event and guided the Glen squad around New York. Thanks were also offered to Louisa Urquhart and Garry MacKintosh for organising the trip and the players gifted them both with jewellery. The sponsors who helped finance the historic trip were also acknowledged. The Glenurquhart party returned home on Monday 11 April 2016. |