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The View From The Touchline.
DR MacDonald - A Tribute.
8 March 2009.
DR MacDonald was born in Tigharry, North Uist on 17 February 1937. He went to Primary School in Tigharry followed by Paible Secondary School before becoming a pupil at Portree High School in 1954.
However it was to be during his university days in Glasgow that Peter English persuaded DR to become actively involved in the Glasgow shinty scene. DR only had the briefest shinty experience before arriving in Glasgow but when the University side was a man short for a match with Oban Lorne in the Camanachd Cup, DR was roped in by Peter English and Donald MacKay for his first competitive match at the famous Mossfield Park, Oban. The Glasgow boys didn’t win but DR had one shot at goal and scored. DR was to eventually captain the University team and Skye Camanachd has much to thank Peter for!
In 1964, DR helped form Glasgow Kelvin Shinty Club in an effort to keep former University players in the game. Shinty was soon to benefit from such foresight.
DR graduated at Glasgow University before carrying out his teacher training at Jordanhill. He returned to Portree High School in August 1965, and became Head of the Gaelic Department in 1971.
His return was a pivotal moment in the history of Skye Camanachd. The club had fallen into abeyance in 1964 when the burden of organising and financing the club, coupled with the fact that some key players were now based in Glasgow, meant on field activity slowed to a gentle halt.
DR recognised that an influx of enthusiastic and dedicated youth players would be required if the club were to resurface with renewed vigour. This point was highlighted in Martin MacDonald’s excellent account of Skye Camanachd’s first 100 years titled “Skye Camanachd - A Century Remembered.”
Primary School age children enjoyed little or no shinty participation during the late 1960s. Skye Camanachd stalwart Donnie Martin was at Kilmuir Primary School at the time and his school along with many others on the Island received a batch of camans to help foster the sport amongst the youngsters. “The first day we got them, we smashed a ball through a classroom window and the camans were locked away after that,” he recalls.
Donnie “Digg” MacDonald won the Camanachd Cup with Skye Camanachd in 1990. However as a primary school pupil he knew little of the game. “I simply didn’t know what shinty was at that age,” he said reflecting that lack of any coaching or guidance in many parts of the Island at the time.
Their defining moment came when they commenced secondary education at Portree High School. All boys at that time were asked to select a first and second choice for their activities. Not surprisingly, most picked football first followed by rugby. However when they went to check the activities list on the school notice board, they were surprised to find that their successful “choice” was shinty.
Little did they know that DR MacDonald had painstakingly examined the pupils’ role from his various Gaelic classes and selected the most likely shinty prospects to take under his wing!
And he made some good choices. Ewen “Yogi” Grant, Alasdair Cruickshank, John Murchison and John “Bodach” MacKenzie were to join Martin and MacDonald in “DR’s shinty school.” These players were to become mainstays in the Skye Camanachd side which reconstituted itself on 2 September 1969 before eventually entering MacGillivray Senior League in 1971.
As well as attending to the club’s youth system DR took up the role of player and became club secretary in 1970.
The shinty coaching on Skye grew from strength to strength. DR, ably assisted by Donnie MacKinnon, Colonel Jock MacDonald and Jonacks MacKenzie, ensured that the initial High School activities participation was extended to after school sessions for both High School and Portree Primary School pupils. So keen were the Sconser youngsters to take part that they used to hitch a lift to Portree on a Saturday morning for the 2 hour coaching session before making the same treck home again, often on a winter’s morning. A couple of enthusiastic ex-players were also recruited to enable primary school shinty sessions to take place outwith Portree.
It was not long before their efforts began to bear fruit. During the 1972-73 season, Skye Camanachd Juveniles entered the MacTavish Juvenile Cup, the Strathdearn Juvenile Cup, the MacBean Cup and the MacPherson Cup and they won the WJ Cameron Cup.
1974 saw Portree Primary School, under DR’s guidance; win the National MacKay Cup for the first team. The side included 1990 Camanachd Cup winners Willie Cowie, Willie MacRae, Duncan MacDougall and 1990 captain Caley MacLean. The same year DR led the Portree High School team to the MacBean Cup and they also retained the WJ Cameron Trophy. Camanachd Cup winners Donnie “Digg” MacDonald and John “Slippy” Finlayson were part of the side as the youth strategy began to pay-off.
In a tribute to DR in the 1974-75 Shinty Year Book, the late Kenneth Campbell wrote, “If we had someone like DR in all our Secondary High Schools, there would not be the need for Shinty Forums. DR did not go to meetings and pontificate on what was wrong with the game and how it should be put right. NO! He went out on the field and he taught the boys that this ancient game of ours is unsurpassed and as a training for life, they could not do better than master its disciplines.”
What followed was an unprecedented period of success at youth level for shinty on Skye. The MacBean Cup was won again in 1976 and Portree High School successfully defended this trophy until 1984 and other Camanachd Cup winners such as John MacRae and Peter Gordon played in these sides.
When Skye Camanachd replaced their unwieldy selection committee system in 1976 with a dedicated first team and second team manager system, club stalwart Donnie MacKinnon took charge of the first team and it was no surprise that DR took on the second team manager’s role. This allowed him to nurture the youth talent and introduce them to senior shinty and prepare them for a career in the first team.
The youngsters matured and through the years, MacGillivray League, Sutherland Cup and Strathdearn Cup successes were enjoyed before the whole Island rejoiced as Skye won what DR always referred to as “the big one” in 1990.
DR also had a period as Skye Camanachd first team manager, reaching the Balliemore Cup Final in 2003 before losing out to Strathglass after extra time.
When Portree Primary School won the 2005 MacKay Cup, a hastily put together celebration was organised at the Skye Camanachd Clubhouse with each player receiving a memento from the club. There was only once choice to make the presentation and as the youngsters sat in silence, DR told them of his delight when he heard the news that Portree had won the trophy for the first time since 1974. They smiled when he showed them how high he had jumped when he heard the result and they listened intently as he gave them an inspirational talk, encouraging them to continue to practice their shinty skills and to listen to their coaches’ advice. He was in no doubt that if they did this, then history could repeat itself and “the big one” could return to Skye once more.
DR was made a Camanachd Association Member of Honour in 2008 and he could always be seen standing at his favourite spot at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree, on the touchline to the players right as they ran out onto the field. He continued to offer words of encouragement to the players, especially the younger ones. He had this tremendous ability to enthuse everyone around him. There were few higher accolades than DR telling you that you had done a good job.
DR’s absence will be greatly felt throughout the shinty community but especially on Skye where he made such an impact. For Skye Camanachd, DR’s passing is like losing the head of the family and to Somhairle, Aonghas and to Gilleasbuig, who know what that really means, the club extends their deepest sympathies.
Skye Camanachd Chairman Ross Cowie summed up the feelings of the club when he said, “DR’s passing is a massive loss and much will be written about this remarkable man. This is the end of an era and shinty and Skye Camanachd in particular have lost a favourite son, a friend, a mentor, an ambassador and above all a true gentleman who impacted on so many of our lives. As a youth when DR said, “Well played lad,” your chest would expand and your face would beam with pride. “That’s what it was all about,” you thought, “not just the score.” How fortunate we were when this remarkable Uidhistich landed on our shores all those years ago. DR’s contribution to shinty over these last 40 years is immeasurable and much of what has been achieved in Skye would not have happened without DR. There would have been no Camanachd Cup but there was. So as this chapter ends, the legacy that he leaves behind ensures that the book is far from finished. Beyond shinty though, we recognise the acute personal loss of a father and a brother which cannot be replaced and our deepest sympathies go to the boys and their extended families at this saddest of times.”
Cuimhnich air na daoine bho'n tainaig sibh.
The View From The Touchline.
My New Year Shinty Wish List.
27 December 2009.
It’s clearly been an exciting 2009 shinty season with the game’s top 3 Divisions going to the wire. The Cup Finals have been exciting encounters as have the internationals, providing spectacles which will surely have the television people coming back for more next season.
However there are some improvements which can be made to our great sport and these suggestions form this New Year Shinty Wish List;
o A rule book which is available to all. An online version on the Camanachd Association can be instantly updated and would provide clarity on all those controversial circumstances which arise from time to time.
o A push to increase mid-week league shinty where it can be accommodated. This will be primarily during the summer months when students are at home anyway. Derby matches would be most suitable and could attract large crowds if advertised. This could also give clubs who are fixtured games on the weekend of shinty’s dreaded music festivals the chance to agree an alternative mid week fixture. Sunday matches doe not particularly help the fixture list as a club would not be asked to play on a Saturday and a Sunday.
o More advertising on when and where youth fixtures are taking place. The Camanachd Association can play a role here by advertising the games but they rely in club co-operation to provide the fixture dates. There are always shinty fans looking to attend a game mid week and many would turn out at such games.
o Stronger referees are required for youth matches. Some referees seem confused as to what they should and should not allow at youth level. This leads to disproportionate allowances being made for younger players whilst what is really required is a firm application of the rules.
o Local referees rather than clubs to carry out Saturday morning pitch inspections where necessary.
o Skye Camanachd to win the 2010 Camanachd Cup. Well, we won the Scottish in 1990 and the National Division 1 title in 2000 – note the 10 year theme!!
I’m sure many of you will have other requests when it comes to writing your own wish list.
The View From The Touchline
The Ronald Ross Effect – Kingussie Are Relegated!
7 December 2009
After scoring 55 of Kingussie’s 82 goals in their title winning 2009 season, Ronald Ross has obviously made a massive contribution to his side’s title success. But how would Kingussie have fared in the league this season without his goals?
Ross scored in every league match except one – when he was played at buckshee back in a draw with Fort William.
When you recalculate Kingussie’s scores by removing all of Ross’ goals, the difference is staggering. Without Ross’ goals, Kingussie would have been 18 points worse off and incredibly, they would have been relegated!
It should be said this is just a bit of fun and if Ross was not in the King’s forward line, another player would have taken his place and taken some of the chances that cam his way. However there can be no doubt of the importance of Ross’ role in the team.
The table below shows the games played and illustrates Ronald Ross’ contribution. It also shows how Kingussie’s results would have changed without Ross’ goals.
This is how the Scottish Hydro Premier Division actually finished. The table below also shows the points Kingussie would have lost without Ross’ goals and the points that the other teams in the league would have gained.
A Scottish Hydro Premier Division without Ronald Ross’ goals would look like this with Kingussie in an unimaginable relegation position. Bute and Lochaber would both be safe and Newtonmore would have been runaway champions. Inveraray would have benefited most from Ross’ absence as they would have picked up 4 points from their meetings with Kingussie rather than none.
The View From The Touchline
The Season So Far…….
5 June 2009
Angie Murchison’s Skye Camanachd first team has reached the half-way point in their 2009 Marine Harvest North Division 1 league campaign. So how does their mid-season report card read?
The Results So Far
Murchison has not had the benefit of a settled side with injuries and unavailability particularly hitting the defence. He has been deprived Allan MacLeod, Steven Morrison and John Moir at various points in the season. This has meant that midfielder Jamie MacDonald and forward Iain Nicolson have had to slot into defensive positions. However both replacements have coped admirably as can be seen from the lack of goals against but their absence from their usual positions has also had to be dealt with. AB Connor has also featured more than he might have expected at the start of the season but a suspected broken thumb may now rule him out for a few weeks. Hopefully Somhairle MacDonald’s elbow injury will not keep him out for any longer than the defeat against Caberfeidh where he was undoubtedly missed.
Analysis of the season so far shows that 6 of the 8 games played so far were settled by a single goal. This demonstrates how tight this league is with all of the teams are perfectly capable to taking points off each other. Skye made early exists from all 3 cup competitions but this has allowed them to have a steady stream of league fixtures and the points amassed so far could be vital when the final positions are determined.
Skye Camanachd set themselves a pre-season target of a top 3 finish in Marine Harvest North Division 1. This target is important not only in terms of the club’s development plans but also in terms of the plan they have signed up to with their anonymous benefactor. This plan has earned the club an initial cash injection of £50,000 in 2008. In return, Skye have laid-out targets on how they intend to develop and progress the club during this timeframe. The targets are reviewed at the end of each season with up to £5,000 due for repayment if sufficient progress is not made. Success on the youth front and the senior team winning the Balliemore Cup went a long way to meeting the 2008 expectorations and no monies fell due to be repaid for the first year. The club will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the 2009 season is scored in a similar fashion.
The record at the mid-way point is 11 points from the 8 matches played. The points were earned from 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. The defeats came in a visit to second placed Kilmallie, where the team felt they were on the receiving end of some harsh refereeing decisions, and a disappointing defeat to Caberfeidh in Portree. The draw came a Balgate – a tough venue for all the league sides. However Skye have played 5 of their first 8 matches away from home which means that they can look forward to 5 home matches in their final 8 games.
It would fantastic for the players to receive the backing of a vocal Skye support. The loyal supporters, who turn up week in, week out, play their role but there are many others who could be at games on a Saturday and they are missing a great day’s entertainment.
A continued commitment on the pitch and a good attitude to training is vital for the second half of the season but the report card so far shows the team to be on course for a successful league season.
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The View From The Touchline All Change At The Camanachd Association 10 April 2009 Once again, the media focus is on events off the shinty field rather than on it. We are losing count of the number of Directors we have lost recently and now the Chief Executive has departed by mutual consent, whatever that means exactly. We have also lost an administrator and had to endure the negative publicity attached to each and every departure. There has not been a queue of people looking to fill the vacant positions on the board of the games governing body. There have also been murmurs of discontent over plans to set up local committees with the aim of brining the association closer to the clubs. Camanachd Association President Duncan Cameron recently made area visits to seek the views of the clubs as to how the game can develop. Where do you see shinty in 5 - 10 years time was a favoured question? The views from the west coast meeting were clear, and I believe, replicated at other such gatherings. Youth shinty was to the fore and the need for the Association to be assisting the game in the shinty heartlands was clear. In simple terms, it seemed that the Camanachd Association was using most of its income to meet the cost of eight (full-time and part-time) members of staff. This left very little free and available budget to host youth road shows, run adhoc competitions, and generally re-establish a presence in the so called shinty heartlands. The old saying is “we are where we are” and whatever turmoil has gone before, the present situation provides Duncan Cameron with the ideal opportunity to make changes to positively influence the future of the Association. Does a ruling body really need a President and a Chief Executive? Recent events at the Scottish Football Association suggest that real confusion can come from such dual leadership. George Peat and Gordon Smith have at the very least contradicted each other and they have allowed the football media to have a field day over their attempts to deal with the goings on before and during a recent World Cup qualifying match. Cameron can resolve this leadership issue by taking the opportunity to reorganise the Camanachd Association. He acknowledged the work done by Gill McDonald to set up internal policies and procedures so this work is done. The President could now become the game’s sole leader, speaking and leading on all matters. The offices at Alton House need a manager rather than a Chief Executive, so why not hold a round of internal interviews and give additional responsibility and remuneration to one of the existing members of staff to fulfil that role. Such a reorganisation would have the added benefit of freeing up funds which can be used to create budgets to promote the sport at youth level in the shinty heartlands. The development officers could get out and about and their expertise, supplemented by the involvement of local volunteers, would do much to boost the sport and provide the needed attractions to keep shinty ahead of other leisure pastimes. The outcome could be the same as every shinty fan hopes for as his club’s first and second teams take the field on a Saturday – a win, win situation. |
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The View From The Touchline Are Shinty Management Teams The Way Forward? 14 November 2008 The job of being a first team shinty manager has always been a demanding position. There’s working with a group of players to get the best out of them, ensuring training nights are organised and well attended, selecting the right team, winning on the park, having the expectations of a club and it’s supporters resting heavily on your shoulders and dealing with the increasing media spotlight. There are also the less obvious tasks. Keeping in touch with the players throughout the week so that you know who is available and ensuring that all the players know about the weekend arrangements. Making sure you have the necessary equipment - camans, balls, clean strips and arranging transport. Filling the water bottles, oranges for half time, keeping the medical bag stocked up and knowing how to use its contents. Completing team lines and substitute cards and dealing with egos! It’s quite daunting job description for one person which is why it’s interesting to see developments at Strathglass and Lochaber over the past few days. Both clubs have selected a management team which has one boss but two willing and very knowledgeable assistants. Strathglass have complimented the appointment of Garry Reid – inexperienced in management at this level – with the appointments of David Balharry and Matt Jones. This will undoubtedly support Garry during his early days in management. In Lochaber’s case, they have appointed two former It’s not the first time a club has shared such tasks. Glenurquhart are an example of a club who have made great strides with their management team of Davie Menzies and Billy Maclean. John MacRitchie and James Gallagher at Lovat got their side into the Marine Harvest Premier League, even although they were unable to keep them there. Now, with any form of management, one person has to be in charge and have the final say. However more hands make light work and if duties are clearly defined between those running the team, and the personalities blend well together, then management teams in this format could well be the future.
The View From The Touchline This Missing Scotland Players 16 October 2008 It’s been the view of many for a few years now that when the shinty / hurling internationals come around, the Irish don’t quite seem to take the senior game as seriously as we do. This is based on the fact that many of their main players, for whatever reason, don’t participate in the match. They tend to use the occasion to give international honour to some of their players who don’t often get the opportunity to play on the big stage. This year, the GAA has heralded the inclusion of Kilkenny’ All-Ireland winning trio Derek Lyng, Tommy Walsh and Eddie Brennan as well as Cork’s Sean Og O hAilpin. It’s not exactly a resounding change in policy from the selectors but welcome all the same. However this year, perhaps more than any other, the talk in So whilst injuries are a factor in some instances, why aren’t more players from our top sides included?
At least the Scots have some consistency with their selection. Carlow’s Des Shaw is the only Irish player who played in last year’s senior clash although Declan Coulter from Armagh and The missing Scottish players include Kingussie’s talisman Ronald Ross, Ali MacLeod, Fraser Inglis and James Hutchison. Newtonmore’ Norman Campbell is injured but Danny MacRae was selected last year and David Cheyne could also stake a claim for a place. Inveraray players Gary MacPherson, Douglas Dando, and David Robertson also stake a claim. Even It maybe that the players selected are considered the best although it is unusual that 10 players from Marine Harvest North Division 1 are selected with just 9 from the Marine Harvest National Premier League. It seems that it’s not just the Irish who give this fixture the respect it deserves. The commitment shown by those players involved is not in question. Indeed Lochcarron’s Alan MacKenzie will interrupt a family holiday in Lanzarote to take part and rejoin his family after the game. Neither is this a dig at the selectors as many of the missing players are either injured or have made themselves unavailable for selection. Unless shinty gets to the root of the problem, the shinty / hurling international could die a death in front of our eyes.
The View from the The Camanachd Cup Final 2008 Saturday 13 September 2008 The Camanachd Cup Final is a great day out. It provides the chance to catch up with old friends from throughout planet shinty. It provides the opportunity to watch wall to wall shinty from 10.30 in the morning until 5pm at night. It provides the chance to see the game’s development sides and the best of youth shinty which is all excellent value for £10.00. Of course it also serves up the main event which this year brought together the two dominant sides in the game, Kingussie and The treatment Ross received throughout the game – especially the last 20 minutes of the first half – could be considered as tactical and a means to eliminating the opponent’s main threat. However it could also be considered thuggish, not pleasing on the eye and if fact enough to get shinty stopped. There were instances in the first half when Robertson simply used his caman and body to block and obstruct Ross, and even stand on his toes! Ross was extremely fortunate that he was wearing a helmet when one challenge saw his opponent’s caman crash off the top of his head. The selection of a referee who tends to let the game flow suited The television coverage gave an insight into the referee’s train of thought as he was wired with a microphone for all to hear. He issued Robertson with a final warning after 23 minutes and another final warning a minute before the interval. How it took until 65 minutes for Robertson to be eventually yellow carded was a mystery to most. Referring to Ross and Robertson, he was often heard to comment that both players were at it. Kingussie were no angels but nothing on the scale of the treatment handed out to Ross. The methods used against Ross are either allowed within the rules of the game, which means that the rules need to be looked at if we are to protect the games skilful players. Alternatively the methods used were out-with the rules of the game which means that the referee should be given feedback on his performance. There is a full recording of the match and it could be used a training exercise for all referees. There were many impressionable youngsters at the final, some who will copy what they saw during the match when they next play. That is not good for the development of the game. I heard that Camanachd Association President Duncan Cameron made comment on the methods used by However that aside, although Kingussie controlled most of the first half, It was surprising that Kingussie kept Ross at full forward for so long when he might have had more success moving away from the attentions of Robertson. Kingussie might also have had more success with the ball over the top when Ross was taking his marker deeper up the park. They rely so heavily on Ronald Ross that they struggled to come up with an alternative plan when he was unable to contribute. James Clark’s goals were sublime. He was afforded the space to turn and shoot and he punished Kingussie in the most stunning fashion. The performances of Chris Bamber and John MacLeod must have run him close for the Albert Smith medal. So its congratulations to
The View from the Touchline The Shinty Referee Saturday 23rd August 2008 Fergie MacDonald’s famous tune “The Shinty Referee” might have been slowed down from a Canadian Barn Dance to a Lament if it was written in the current climate of referee criticism. Shinty has already lost a good referee in Calum Duff who decided to hang up his whistle following comments aimed at him during the recent Newtonmore v Fort William clash. I spoke to Calum after the Balliemore Cup Final and urged him to change his decision to end his refereeing career. However he felt that it was time to make a stand against the constant barracking of referees. A hobby which some clubs seem to regard as part of the game, and something that is intended to gain them any advantage. Men and women verbally abusing a referee in front of his wife and children is not sport and it should not be shinty. Shinty seems to be following one of football’s more odious traits of venting frustrations and blame at the man in black. I’ve yet to see a shinty player, or shinty manager go through the game’s 90 minutes without making a mistake, yet our referees are supposed to get every detail of every decision correct. Skye’s John MacLeod earned the honour of refereeing the Sutherland Cup Final because of his fine refereeing performances over recent seasons. However he is now considering his future after receiving criticism for disallowing a After initially awarding a goal, MacLeod was approached by his lineman to advise that the 5 yard rule had not being obeyed at the free hit in the lead up to the goal. MacLeod took this advice and reversed his decision. It’s interesting to note that his critics point out that it is outwith the the linesman's remit to get involved in such decisions. Very few, if any, say that the actual decision that the 5 yard rule was infringed was incorrect. So what we have here is not objection to the decision, but objection to how the decision was arrived at. It seems to me that these critics would rather that the referee got the decision wrong! Any fair minded person would applaud a referee for changing his mind and getting the decision correct. The referee is a neutral, unlike many of his critics who have their own allegiance. John MacLeod also booked a player following a challenge in which a promising young Shinty needs players, and the army of volunteers who organise our fine sport. It also needs referees and the events of recent weeks will do little to attract new blood to the sport. Referees are not well paid – they usually give up their entire Saturday for much less than the minimum hourly wage – but they officiate for their love of the sport. They deserve some respect in return.
The View From The Touchline
The Talent Conveyor Belt 14 July 2008 There are good signs in relation to youth shinty on Skye at the moment. o 5 Skye Camanachd players – Jamie MacDonald, Andrew Banks, Shockie MacLennan, Danny Morrison and Neil John Campbell - have just returned from o 7 Skye Camanachd players - Shockie MacLennan, Danny Morrison, Neil John Campbell, Neil MacVicar, Stewart Grant, Martin Bruce and Paul MacKinnon - are currently attending the Camanachd Association Player Development Camp in o 2 Skye Camanachd players – Stewart Grant and Martin Bruce - recently represented the North at U14 level against the South. A further 3 Skye Camanachd players – Ian Nicolson, Andrew Banks and Jamie MacDonald - were selected at U17 level in the same event. o Skye Camanachd is the only club in o o A £55,000 investment in the Shinty & Wellbeing Project – a 3 year programme - from various grant awards has just ended. This included coaching sessions from qualified coach Willie Cowie, coupled with a wellbeing message on a range of topics. Two more grant funded projects are soon to start. One will focus on Primary School age shinty players and the other will focus on the U14 and U17 age shinty players in the Skye and Wester Ross locality. This coaching will be led by qualified self employed coach Willie Cowie. o Skye Camanachd has recently been represented at Scotland U21 level by Steven Morrison. o Sarah Corrigall, now with the Garry Girls, continues to be a shining light and superb role model for women’s shinty. o The Skye Camanachd second team has a large contingent of U17 players and even includes a couple of U14 players. o The Skye Camanachd first team also includes a significant number of what could be regarded as youth players. It was pleasing to read Alex O’Henley’s column in this week’s West Highland Free Press which acknowledged Skye Camanachd’s youth development policy. However it is equally important for Skye Camanachd to acknowledge the shinty development which takes place on Skye before the players reach U14 level. You see, Skye Camanachd may run shinty at U14, U17, second team and first team level but organised shinty takes place on Skye at a much earlier age. Una MacLennan takes coaching in the Bracadale area, Donnie Digg MacDonald attends to the North End and John “Spod” MacLeod and Keith MacKenzie have taken over from Alasdair Morrison in Kyleakin. There are also several coaches – Willie Cowie, Neil MacLean, Phil McCaherty, Ali Grant, Davie Pringle, etc - taking weekly sessions in Portree and promoting the shinty ethos set by Head Teacher John Finlayson. Skye Camanachd has much to be grateful to these people for. The View From The Touchline A last minute extra time strike by Ian Nicolson was enough to win a thrilling Balliemore Cup semi final for Skye Camanachd. But the match story was so much more than that. Skye won this game the hard way. A new rule introduced this season by the Camanachd Association means semi final venues are decided by the toss of the coin which in this case Glenurquhart duly won. This rule is intended to free up pitches and help prevent the fixture congestion experienced during the last couple of seasons. Skye had already lost twice this season to the MacTavish Cup runners-up so they hoped for third time lucky. They were also without the services of keeper Ross Graham who was at his brother’s wedding, wing centre Kerr Gibb who had tonsillitis and buckshee forward Somhairle MacDonald who following a hamstring problem, is on a family holiday in Canada. Jamie Gannon returned in goal to replace Graham, Ian Nicolson took up the wing centre position and Kenny Campbell joined Ally MacLennan, Alan Palmer and Aonghas MacDonald in the forward line. Cheered on by a large travelling support, Skye were first to threaten and there was only 2 minutes on the clock when Aonghas MacDonald found space from his marker, Scottish international John Barr, to crash a shot high into the side netting. Moments later when the Islanders did take an early lead, it was from an own goal although MacDonald would surely have scored had the Glenurquhart defender not got the final touch. Glenurquhart had an immediate chance to draw level when Skye keeper Jamie Gannon was penalised for playing the ball with his hand when lying on the ground. However he redeemed himself when he pulled off a brilliant save to his left from Lewis MacLennan's spot hit. This was the first of a series of fine stops by Gannon. Glenurquhart did equalise 5 minutes later when the Skye defence were unable to clear their lines and Calum Miller leveled the tie. Lewis MacLennan then redeemed himself by firing his side into a 2-1 lead. Just when it looked as if Glen would take their lead into the interval, the ball broke to Skye’s Kenny Campbell and from an acute angle, with everyone expecting a cut back; he crashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to once again level the tie. Steven Morrison took a sore knock to the ankle midway through the first half. He manfully tried to continue but much to his disappointment, he had to be replaced at half time by Shockie MacLennan. It’s at these moments that a team manager earns his worth and Alasdair Morrison reshuffled his pack by bringing Aonghas MacDonald from full forward to take Morrison's place at full back. Ian Nicolson moved from wing centre to replace MacDonald at full forward and substitute MacLennan took over Nicolson's full forward role. These changes proved to be very significant with all 3 players playing an important role during the remainder of the game. The second half might have been goalless but it had plenty of incidents including some great saves by Gannon and a simply superb performance from Alan MacLeod at buckshee back whose intelligent use of the ball was a joy to watch. Aonghas MacDonald at full back braved injury problems to display a “they shall not pass” attitude and he was ably assisted by half backs Dougie Rankin and John Moir. There was also a very determined performance from wing centre Jamie MacDonald who came out on top in an enthralling battle with the excellent Eddie Tembo. Gilleasbuig MacDonald’s performance at full centre continued to emphasise what a boost his return to the fold has been to the team. Extra time provided much more of the same. Glenurquhart did have the ball in the Skye net but it was correctly ruled out for offside. The match was just moments away from penalties – and this cannot have been a prospect the Skye players relished given they have missed their last 14 consecutive spot hits - when Ian Nicolson at full stretch flicked the ball into the Glenurquhart net to trigger scenes of joyous celebration amongst the travelling support. The remaining minutes - including an inordinate amount of injury time allowed by referee Donnie Fraser - passed liked hours for the Skye support. But it was Skye who emerged as winners to face Kilmallie - who beat Glenorchy 4-1 in the other semi - in the Balliemore Cup Final at Beauly’s The View from the Touchline Camanachd Cup Day 14 June 2008 There is definitely something special about Camanachd Cup day. There’s a sense of anticipation through the week before the game coupled with the excitement of knowing that a victory takes your team into the draw for the next round. As a North Division One side entering the Camanachd Cup 3rd round draw, you look for two things:
A home draw against Lovat - bottom of the Premier League - met both criteria and there was a real sense that this tie could provide a Camanachd Cup shock result. Except a shock result is one that is not predicted and too many people in planet shinty predicated a Skye win in this tie and that news obviously filtered back to Lovat. One major advantage associated with playing Premier League shinty is that you are already competing at a pace other teams find hard to achieve. Lovat certainly used this to their advantage as they off the blocks at full pace in the opening 10 minutes of the game. There’s nothing like a kick in the groin to convert anticipation into reality and Lovat’s Raymond Rennie, Calum MacAulay and Euan Ferguson applied not one but three such kicks during the first 8 minutes of the match. Skye seemed lethargic during this period. It’s not our first slow start of the season and it was a harsh lesson in what it means to play with the big boys. But even at 3-0 down, the fans never felt Skye were out of the game. This is a team who had won all their games during the month of May. A team who were never going to go down lightly and when Aonghas MacDonald pulled a goal back after 24 minutes, hope sprang eternal. A second Skye goal before half time would have made the world of a difference and although there were many close things, the half time score was 3-1 in favour of the visitors. From the hour mark onwards, both teams exchanged goals like two heavyweight boxers slugging out a title bout. Skye’s Somhairle MacDonald made it 3-2 and Lovat’s Jamie Matheson made it 4-2. Skye’s Somhairle MacDonald made it 4-3 but Lovat’s Matheson made it 5-3 a minute later. Somhairle completed his hat trick and an agonising 12 minutes ensued when Skye had several chances but couldn’t get the goal that would have taken the tie into extra time. As Calum Duff blew the final whistle, a sense of frustration of what could have been swept the touchline. There’s no doubt that Skye’s poor start to the game was a major contribution to their defeat. We simply left ourselves too much to do for the final 82 minutes of the game. We didn’t play our best but we should have been good enough to win this tie. Handshakes were exchanged and it’s hard not to feel pleased for Lovat stalwarts such as Mary Ann Henton, Ron Mullican, the team managers and their enthusiastic but likeable support. Mary Ann tells us that Skye have a lot to thank Lovat for as their legend Willie Cowie (senior) gave Skye sons Ross Cowie and Willie Cowie (and potentially wee Willie Cowie) but we also gave them Donald Neil Murchison. However a few drinks later, when news filtered through that Lovat had been given a 4th round home draw against
The View from the Touchline Skye 0 Kinlochshiel 3 Saturday 16th June 2007 Sitting equal second bottom in the league with only 2 wins is probably not the best time to introduce a blog on all things Skye Camanachd to our new website. Or is it? There are reasons to be optimistic from the season so far that aren’t necessarily reflected in our results. The emergence of young Steven Morrison as a quality and versatile defender at senior level is a real feature of the season so far. So too are the performances of Alan MacLeod who is arguably having his best season to date for Skye Camanachd. Losing Club captain and influential full centre Aonghas MacDonald for the remainder of the season was an obvious blow. However as the “every cloud………” saying goes, his brother Gilleasbuig MacDonald seems to be relishing the additional responsibility of assuming the full centre’s role. If only we could find Somhairle a job closer to home so that he can join his brothers in the white shirts of Skye! Kenny Campbell too has had a fine season in the centre line and has been truly committed to the cause. After years of playing in the forward line, team manager Alasdair Morrison has recognised a gem by playing Kenny in a deeper role. The final member of the centre line is a certain Jamie MacDonald. Jamie is still not old enough to drive a car but his drive on the shinty field has been admired by home and visiting fans alike this season. Up front Ali MacLennan and Alan Palmer have turned in some fine performances which haven’t necessarily been reflected in the goals for column. They are young forwards and their time will come………………..very soon. With apologies to Alan MacLeod, the common theme with these players is youth and these boys will have many seasons ahead of them in top class shinty. There lies the reason to be optimistic and stick with Skye Camanachd for the games ahead. Back to this afternoon and yes, any 3-0 home derby defeat by local rivals Kinlochshiel is always disappointing but the view from the touchline was that there were not 3 goals in the game. There was a horrible similarity to all 3 goals we lost. Shots from Shiel which were well saved by stand-in goalkeeper John “Spod” MacLeod but on each occasion, and not for the first time this season, the opposition forwards were quickest to react and a goal was lost. These observations are things that can be worked on and are not meant as criticism. Simply recognising where things are going wrong is the first step to improvement. The goals return this season is not quite what it could have been. The forward line has looked best when big Alan MacPherson has been on the What was also really encouraging from Saturday was the attendance, easily the largest of the season so far. This was boosted by the numbers who crossed the bridge from Shiel to cheer on their team. Their team is young, quick and skilful and has a real chance of joining the big boys next season. The Skye Camanachd second team will be disappointed with their 1-0 loss away to Glenurquhart in the Strathdearn Cup. It was a winnable tie which gave a real chance to progress in this competition. However whatever the results, the priority for any second team must be to put out a side which is 25% experience and 75% youth. The experienced players will guide their younger team mates on their path to the first team and that as they say is the most important thing. Manager Davie MacVicar has stuck to the principal of playing younger players since his tenure began and he should not be detracted from this path. Having already supplied Jamie MacDonald, Ian Nicolson, Kerr Gibb and Tom Butler etc for first team duty, there are several more young guns waiting on he wings. Andrew Banks, Jonathon “Shockie” MacLennan, Neil John Campbell and Neil “Beans” MacVicar will surely make the progression to the first team, as will Danny Morrison. Last season, at the tender age of 14, Danny was selected in goal for the second team and he has performed with assurance and confidence beyond his years. However Danny is also the best forward Skye have from the early teenage years and it will be interesting to see how he develops with an extended run in the second team forward line. Reasons to be optimistic indeed! The View from the Touchline The Thursday 14th June 2007 Primary School shinty events are always exciting affairs. Plenty of excitable parents on the touchline and coaches who roll back the years by demonstrating the ability to leap four feet in the air each time their team score a goal. The Isle of Skye Round Table Sixes is a really well run tournament and as well as complementing the coaches for bringing together their 12 teams, we should also recognise the efforts of Isle of Skye Primary Camanachd Association secretary Una MacLennan. It’s all Una’s hard work behind the scenes which helps bring together these schools tournaments and provides the platform for the shinty players of tomorrow to display their skills. The numbers of shinty players in These lessons can be harsh for ones so young but there is little doubt that Portree A players such as Angie MacPherson, Willie Cowie and Andrew Grant have the ability to go all the way. Let’s hope they use the North of Scotland 6s – of which Portree Primary Schools are reigning champions – this coming weekend to show their true mettle. Joining North Skye B in the final 4 of the competition were stable mates North Skye A, South Skye A, - who both also required penalty shoot out success to qualify – and Bracadale. South End A ran out convincing winners although Donnie “Digg” MacDonald will take satisfaction from having 2 North End teams in the final four. Bracadale under the watch of Una MacLennan are always there or there-abouts in such competitions and finished runners up. However The real winners are of course Skye Camanachd who cannot fail but to benefit from the emerging young talent.
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