Shinty preparing for the other side
The Camanachd Association is among those having to adjust its operations during these unrecognisable times as the consequences of the spread of COVID-19 continue to dominate everyday lives.
The game’s governing body has followed all government guidance, advising all its staff to work from home at this time. Whilst the association’s preference would have course been a short intermission, the likelihood is shinty will not return for some time and some competitions may be unable to run fully this year.
Staff, committees and the board of directors are working together on plans covering all potential outcomes, depending on the longevity of the COVID-19 sanctions.
The situation remains fluid through what has been a rapidly changing position but the association hopes to share these plans with clubs when there is greater clarity around the likely period of isolation.
As part of this, it is considering options that may or may not be used to ensure shinty is played again when it is safe to do so.
Any attempt to lay a clear plan at this stage is impossible but these options could include local midweek fixtures and/or Sunday fixtures and finals or shorter league programmes.
However, it is impossible to be specific or predict what may be practical at this time.
The Camanachd Association recognises some sports have said when they expect to return to competitive action but it believed to do so at this present time is simply guess work as no one can predict the volatility of the current situation.
However, that will not stop it planning for a number of eventualities.
During the intervening period, work will continue to pursue the best for shinty and the association has pledged to work closely with member clubs to ensure everyone is best prepared to come through this situation ready to return to sporting action once normality returns.
Pitches will benefit from rest
If there is a sporting benefit to come from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s that pitches all over the country could benefit greatly from the rest.
In Oban, head groundsman Iain Hay’s responsibilities include pitches at Mossfield, Ganavan, North Connel, three at Glencruitten as well as a new pitch where the former blaze pitch was situated behind the Mossfield stand.
Like many at present, Iain’s involvement is limited by the current restrictions but he feels pitches will be the better from the break. The former Oban Camanachd manager and player said: ‘The rest will definitely benefit the pitches and they will come in stronger. There is a wee bit of growth at present but when it really comes through, the rest means the grass will stiffen as the roots continue to grow. It must be said we’ve also just had what was a poor winter for pitches so there is a bit of catching up to do.’
Making the best use of time
The suspension of the shinty season doesn’t necessarily mean work at all shinty clubs should grind to a halt as there are still opportunities for clubs to progress off the field during this interim period.
The Camanachd Association has highlighted the benefits of its Clubmark accreditation scheme which its develop-ment team has run for the past four years, suggesting this would be a perfect time for clubs to engage with its development officer. It only requires one or two volunteers from each club to get matters moving.
A Camanachd Association spokesman said: ‘We are delighted to announce 37 clubs across shinty have already started their journey toward enhanced governance, planning and provision of good practice through Clubmark accreditation. We need to continue moving forward and would encourage all clubs to arrange a suitable date with their regional development officer to continue progression or, in some cases, to overcome some current challenges.
‘One of the primary purposes of development staff is to support the development of increased membership and improved participation opportunities in clubs to enhance member retention.
‘One of the tools to start this process is the Clubmark accreditation which contributes as one of our key outcomes of a well-organised club. The Strategy for Shinty provides further information.’
Funding streams are almost all still fully operational making this the perfect opportunity for clubs to use time that would have been used preparing for matches to apply for funds to help sow the seeds of success for years to come.
Consultant appointed for short-term working groups
The Camanachd Association has appointed independent consultant Neil MacDonald to lead the consultation phase of a new working group which has the specific remit of evaluating current provision of the sport in Argyll and Bute.
The group will gather feedback from members to identify opportunities for enhanced working in future.
New Camanachd Association director Roddy McCuish will lead the group, with development officer Euan McMurdo also playing a key role.
Meantime director and vice president Steven MacKenzie’s competitions review will likely cover the options available for the reminder of the 2020 season as well as taking a longer term view.
All clubs will be consulted as part of the process and anyone wishing to be part of this online working group should contact Camanachd Association operations manager Astie Cameron directly.
Kilmallie roll back the years
With no action on the field, shinty clubs and the Camanachd Association have taken to social media to give supporters a shinty fix.
Kilmallie Shinty Club has unveiled an interesting project where 14 former players recall their favourite on-the-field memories, including the best 12 players, in formation order, they have played with.
First up was club stalwart Trevor Jackson who selected Bochy MacNiven as keeper for his team. His defence was made up from James MacNicol at full back, wing backs David Neilson and Ian Robertson with the formidable Keith Blackhall at half back.
Wing centres Lachie Innes and Mark MacPherson flanked full centre Donald Lamont in the middle of the park.
Scott Rodger took up the half forward position with Liam MacDonald and John Stewart at wing forward and Totti MacNicol at full forward.
Trevor Jackson’s best goal scored was his 30 second volley against Kingussie in a MacTavish Cup Final which Kingussie eventually won.
Ian Robertson’s ‘screamer’ in a Sutherland Cup semi-final was the best goal seen, whilst winning the Sutherland Cup Final against Fort William in 2007 was his favourite shinty memory.
Totti MacNicol was given the honour of being nominated the best Kilmallie player in Trevor Jackson’s opinion.
Discover more great moments and best teams as named by former Kilmallie players on the club’s Facebook page.