Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil believes Ireland have put together strong senior squad for the 2012 Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling international series against Scotland.

Ireland have named an eighteen man panel which includes thirteen hurlers with Shinty / Hurling experience. That hasn’t gone unnoticed to McNeil who said, “Ireland have included a lot of players with experience of the cross-code game and they have gone back to their 2010 squad in many ways. That shows me that they want to win the game. They know we ran then very close last year when the series was in the balance until the closing minutes of the second game. Their squad also has players who can score goals like Shane Dooley. He was unavailable last year but he scored five of their seven goals in 2010 so we’ll have to make plans for him.”  

McNeil added, “Ireland have also included Darragh O'Connell from Kerry who captained their U21 side last year so it’s a strong Irish panel and of course Tommy Walsh will be there again. They are looking to get a big crowd for the game in Ireland and TG4 will broadcast both legs live. They thought it was a great spectacle last year even although the weather conditions in Ireland made it difficult for the teams.”  

2012 Shinty / Hurling / Camogie Programme

Saturday 20 October 2012 - Scotland v Ireland

The first Shinty / Hurling test between the Scotland and Ireland senior teams takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness at Saturday 20 October 2012. Throw-in is at 1.15pm. Admission is £10 for Adults, £5 for concessions and under 12s go free. Bring your Camanachd Association membership card and get a 20% discount! 

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 Womens 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