Scotland boss Drew McNeil says that the interest in this weekend’s Shinty / Hurling international second test against Ireland shows just what potential the fixture has.

The match will be shown live on BBC Alba in Scotland and by TG4 in Ireland and they also stream over the internet. The Scotland boss said, “BBC2 Scotland showed the first test live and it’s great that BBC Alba are starting their broadcasting early on Saturday to show the whole of the second test live. TG4 were very impressed by last year’s contest and they have covered both legs this year. They see the game as a real spectacle. It just shows what good advertising and sponsorship potential this fixture has.”

McNeil has always been drawn to what he sees as the Shinty / Hurling “end game” and that would be the GAA considering Scotland’s shinty players able to compete with their full All-Star team in a glamour match at a full Croke Park.

There has been talk of such a meeting in New York in 2014 although discussions are at an early stage and much work would be required to pull it off. “It is an exciting prospect,” says McNeil. “The idea is that such an event would involve a series of games, possibly against American hurling teams, culminating with a match between Scotland and the GAA All-Star team. It would obviously take a lot of planning and funding but GAA President Liam O’Neill is positive about it and he is a man who gets things done.”

2012 Shinty / Hurling / Camogie Programme

Friday 26 October 2012 - Ireland U21 v Scotland U21

The Ireland U21 and Scotland U21 sides meet under the floodlights at St. Josephs Doora Barefield, Ennis on Friday 26 October 2012 with a 7pm throw-in. Admission is free.

Saturday 27 October – Clare v Scotland

The Scotland Women’s squad meet a Clare Camogie select at the Father McNamara Camogie Field, County Clare on Saturday 27 October. Throw-in is at 11am and admission is free.

Saturday 27 October 2012 – Ireland v Scotland

The second Shinty / Hurling test between the Ireland and Scotland senior teams takes place at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday 27 October 2012 with a 2.05pm start. Admission is free.

Photograph courtesy of www.neilgpaterson.com