The forthcoming Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling Series between Scotland and Ireland will mark Irish manager Michael Walshe’s swansong with the cross-codes game.
The 2014 series will bring down the curtain on a six-year involvement at management level in the clash between the Celtic Cousins but Walshe’s relationship with Shinty / Hurling dates back further than that.
The former Kilkenny goalkeeper won All-Irelands in 1992 and 1993 as well as All-Stars in 1991 and 1993. He was also part of the Ireland Shinty / Hurling squad during the 1990s, captaining the Irish in 1994.
Speaking to Arthur Sullivan from the GAA website, Walshe said “I just really enjoyed the whole experience of playing the game. Then, in 2009, the then GAA President Christy Cooney approached me and asked me if I would manage the Ireland U21 team. I was honoured to do so and it's simply taken off from there. I spent three years over the U21s and then when Liam O'Neill came in as GAA President, he put myself and John Meyler in charge of the senior team, so this is my third year over the seniors."
The two match series was introduced in 2010 and this has further strengthened the ties between the two sports. "Anyone that is involved in it will tell you that we have been like a little family over the last few years,” added Walshe.
Series Details
The 2014 Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International First Test will take place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 18 October 2014. The throw-in is at 2pm and tickets are available at the ground on the day or in advance at Eden Court Theatre - £10 adults, £5 concessions and U12s go free if accompanied by a paying adult. Discounts are available to Camanachd Association members. Anyone who is unable attend the game can watch the action live by tuning into BBC2 Scotland and TG4 in Ireland.
The Second Test takes place a week later at Pairc Esler, Newry, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 5pm and the Second Test will be broadcast by TG4 in Ireland and BBC Alba in Scotland.
Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 also meet in their Shinty / Hurling international at Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 3pm.
Scotland’s Senior Women face a Shinty / Camogie clash with a County Down select at Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 1pm.
(Picture courtesy of Neil G Paterson)