We have the latest team news ahead of “Iomain Nam Feachd - Armed Forces Shinty / Hurling” between SCOTS Camanachd and the Irish Defence Force at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 28th April 2012.
However the task will be a tough one as the chips seem to fall in favour of the Irish in terms of experience at both club level and International experience.
SCOTS Camanachd will have some experienced players in their squad and this is acknowledged by their boss Fraser MacKenzie. He said, “We some experienced players in our ranks such as former Internationalist and ex-Lochcarron and Oban Celtic player Michael Cooper. We also have Andrew Fraser or Strathglass, Chris Munro of Oban Camanachd and James Dunn of Bute.
MacKenzie has been preparing the players for the composite rules game and he added. “The training sessions gave me the chance to get to know the players a bit better before Saturday. I had already spoken to Michael Cooper and Robert Stoddart about the players and I’ve enjoyed working with them all.”
MacKenzie knows that this will be a tough test as the Irish have some great hurlers within their squad. “With players like Kilkenny All-star and Hurler of the Year, Eoin Larkin playing, the Irish are going to a formidable force,” he said.
Saturday will be a busy day for MacKenzie who also co-manages the Glenurquhart first team. “This is a sporting first for the army shinty team and I hope it is something that can be built on for the future,” he added. “However I have a very important Co-operative MacTavish Cup quarter final with Glenurquhart against Beauly to deal with first on the Saturday so my focus will be on that game first and foremost.”
SCOTS Camanachd will display a new club badge that reflects the history and background of the Armed Forces in Scotland. Of particular note is the new club motto: La a’bhlair ‘s math na cairdean. This is the inscription on the 51st (Highland) Division memorial at Beaumont – Hamel in France, which when translated means “Friends are good on the day of battle”.
Iomain Nam Feachd - Armed Forces Shinty / Hurling starts at the specially scheduled time of 5.30pm in order to allow shinty fans to watch their club side and then head along to the Bught Park. SCOTS Camanachd are asking all shinty fans to show their support for their Armed Forces. There will be several other attractions on display.
As well as the game, there will be;
- Entertainment provided by the Army Cadet Force Pipe Band
- An opportunity to meet members of the Armed Forces
- A bouncy castle for children
- A food and drink outlet
- The Shinty Shop will be present
Iomain Nam Feachd is sponsored by Poppyscotland, the leading charity supporting ex-servicemen and women and their families in Scotland. Admission to the game is free by donation to Poppyscotland.