There is a full Shinty / Hurling / Camogie international programme as Scotland face their Irish counter-parts at Pairc Esler, Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014.

The Scotland squads are scheduled to arrive in Newry at around 5pm on Friday 24 October 2014 with training sessions are due to take place in the evening.

Ireland v Scotland

The series scoring system means that Scotland go into the second test 3-1 ahead. They gained two points for winning the first test and an additional point for scoring two or more goals. The Irish also gained a bonus point for scoring two goals or more.

What will be interesting is whether the points scoring system affects how either manager approaches the return game. Scotland boss Ronald Ross will know that scoring two or more goals on Irish turf will leave Ireland needing to win and score more than two goals to earn a draw and take the final outcome to the aggregate score over the two tests. Ross will also know that if he stops Ireland scoring two or more goals, then the worst that could happen is that Scotland draw the match and again, the outcome would be decided by the aggregate score over the two tests. If they are still level, the contest will be decided by goals scored. In the unlikely event that they remain tied after that, Ireland will retain the trophy as holders.

Scotland doubts Calum Miller and Gary Innes are both fit to play and they take their places in an unchanged squad.  

For Ireland boss Michael Walshe, it is more straight-forward. He needs to win the game. That would tie the contest at 3-3 and the final outcome could be determined by whether either side managed to gain a bonus point for scoring two or more goals. Walshe said, "It's going to be a big ask, but the boys, as I said to them there, have to regroup, take a bit of pride in themselves and come back very strong." Keep a calculator by your side during the match!

There is no official team news from the Irish Camp although Patrick Horgan is expected to miss out as he is on holiday and indications earlier in the week were that Walshe was investigating whether Galway talisman Joe Canning could come in as his replacement.

Ireland U21 v Scotland U21

Scotland U21 have found it difficult in the away matches against Ireland U21. This will be Garry Reid’s first match in charge and although injury and unavailability has ruled out the likes of Graeme MacMillan, Donald Nixon and Thomas Borthwick, the squad does include Greg Matheson, Fraser Heath, Oliver MacRae, Arran MacPhee and Finlay MacMillan who are all adept to the cross-codes game.

Ireland will once again be managed by Jeffrey Lynskey and Gregory O'Kane and the duo are tipped to replace senior coach Michael Walshe when he steps down at the end of this series. The Ireland danger will come from Clare’s Tony Kelly who was the 2013 GAA Senior and U21 Hurling Player of the Year.

Co. Down Ladies v Scotland Ladies

Scotland Ladies Head Coach Stuart Reid knows his side face a tough challenge against Premier Junior All-Ireland champions Co. Down. Reid has a full squad to choose from but his opposite number Alistair McGilligan will be without seven of his squad as the impressive Fionnuala Carr, Sarah Louise Carr, Karen Gribben, Paula Gribben, Clare McGilligan, Nicola O’Hagan and Lisa McPolin will all be in action for their club side Clonduff in the Ulster Cup Final. Reid will rely on the experience of Lisa Norman, who will win her 13^th international cap, and Katie Drain and sisters Elizabeth and Jeanette MacGregor who each win their sixth Scotland cap.

All matches take place at Pairc Esler, Newry which has a capacity of about 20,000. In recent years the ground has undergone major redevelopment work with new stands, floodlights and a new pitch all added. The new stand was officially opened by GAA president Nicky Brennan n 8 October 2007.

Series Details

The Shinty / Hurling senior international second test between Ireland and Scotland takes place at Pairc Esler, Newry, Northern Ireland on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 5pm and the game will be broadcast by live TG4 in Ireland and on BBC Alba in Scotland the following day.

Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 also meet in their Shinty / Hurling international at Pairc Esler, Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 3pm.

Scotland’s Senior Women face a Shinty / Camogie clash with a Co. Down select at Pairc Esler, Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 1pm.

Entry to all matches is FREE!

The Camanachd Association will provide Twitter and Facebook updates from all three matches.

(Picture courtesy of Neil G Paterson)