Gareth Evans is new Loch side boss
Gareth Evans has been confirmed as the new Lochside Rovers manager.
Gareth Evans replaces Brian MacCallum who managed the Oban side for most of last season when they did a cup double, lifting the HIS Sutherland Cup and the Bullough Cup, as well as finishing third in Mowi South Division 1.
This will be a second spell in charge for Evans, whose previous four-year tenure saw the club gather a Mowi South Division 1 success as well as lifting the Sutherland Cup and Bullough Cup.
Speaking after the appointment, Evans said: ‘We had good numbers at training last week considering it was our first session of the year, so that’s encouraging.
‘The first team takes priority, of course, and Stephen [Sloss] and Kenny [Wotherspoon] will meet shortly to decide what pool of players they will primarily work with. We’ll then have a look at what overspill there is and which players are available to Lochside and take it from there. Of course, you always have first team injuries and suspensions throughout the season so nothing is set in stone.’
Evans will be assisted in the role by former Oban Camanachd President Duncan MacMillan. ‘I’m pleased Duncan has agreed to help on the touchline,’ he said. ‘There are others we can rely on in that capacity too if the situation arises.’
It will likely be a transitional season for Lochside though. ‘We’ll field a side with an emphasis on youth, coupled with a sprinkling of experience,’ confirmed Evans. ‘Mowi South Division 1 will be a tough league next season and Bute in particular will be difficult opponents. We stood up to them a few years back but they have just had a season in the National and have experience on their side. What is important for us to begin with, though, is that everyone commits to training.
‘We have been blessed with success in all competitions in recent seasons but a top-half finish in the league would be a success in 2020 and you’re at the mercy of the cup draws although we do always like to have a good run in the Sutherland.
‘Having said that, we mustn’t forget the main purpose of a second team and that is to provide a pathway for the younger players and be a feeder club for the first team.
‘Daniel Sloss, Craig Easton, Blair MacFarlane and Ross Campbell are all recent examples of how well that has worked and there are others in the pipeline. Youngsters like Calum MacMillan and Daniel Pearson were blooded by Lochside at the end of last season, and they will get more game time, although we will have to do that gently alongside their commitments in youth matches at their age level.’
It won’t all be youngsters, though, as Evans added: ‘We’ll again be able to rely on experienced guys like the ever-green Iain MacMillan whilst we’ll have Evan MacLellan back. He’s been dogged by injury but he’ll start again with Lochside and I don’t think it will be long before he is knocking on the first team door.
‘Charlie Spreadbury also makes a welcome return after a bad thumb injury and he’s a good stick player with plenty of skill so he’s a great addition.’
Lochside have already lined up pre-season friendlies against their Glasgow Mid Argyll and Newtonmore counter-parts next month and Evans may look to add one more match to complete his side’s preparations for the new season.
Lochside Rovers would welcome any young players wishing to play in a youthful team. ‘If they come along and train then they’ll get a game,’ said Evans, as he sets about his second stint at the Lochside Rovers helm.
Oban Camanachd Sixes
Oban Camanachd were disappointed to have to cancel their annual sixes tournament which was due to take place at Mossfield last Saturday.
Despite several players being unavailable, eight teams and almost sixty players were due to take part but the forecast of adverse weather conditions led to the club taking an early decision to postpone the event to minimise any inconvenience and it was called off late on Friday afternoon.
Event organiser Daniel Cameron hopes to reschedule the tournament perhaps for this coming Saturday or maybe even for the summertime.
Balla’ AGM
Ballachulish held their annual general meeting at their clubhouse on Friday January 10.
Morgan Smith and Alan Clark will continue to manage the Ballachulish squad, which finished a creditable second in Mowi South Division 1 last season.
Training is already underway with sessions taking place on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Inaugural John Millar Memorial Trophy matches
The inaugural John Millar Memorial Trophy matches took place at Silversands on Sunday January 5.
The event remembers Aberdour stalwart John Millar, who passed away last May.
The games took the form of Aberdour under-28s versus over28s in both women’s and men’s categories.
The women went first when Raine Cooper’s first half penalty gave the under-28s a first half lead but Lisa MacColl levelled after the restart so the contest finished 1-1.
In the men’s match, Aberdour over28s ran out 4-2 winners. Ross Brown proved his worth with a hat-trick for the over-28s with Martin Cameron getting the other. Angus Thorburn countered from the penalty spot with David MacKenzie also netting.
Rosie Mulligan and Andy Murray were the match referees.
Aberdour passed on their thanks to Margaret Millar and family for donating the trophy in John’s memory and her sons Alasdair and Andrew were on hand to make the presentations.
Strathglass plan for new season
New Strathglass first team manager Allan MacLeod has set his team a challenging pre-season programme.
The Strath first and second teams travel south to face their Aberdour counter-parts at Silversands on Saturday February 8.
A week later, the Cannich-based club have a double-header against neighbours Lovat and the venue will be confirmed nearer the time, depending on the weather conditions.
On Saturday February 22, the Strathglass first team make the short journey to the Bught Park to play fellow Mowi National Division side Inverness whilst their seconds take on the Caberfeidh second team at Cannich.
The pre-season programme comes to a head on Saturday February 22 with the annual derby clashes against Glenurquhart. The Strathglass and Glenurquhart first teams contest the MacDonald Cup at Blairbeg whilst the clubs’ second teams meet for the Ali Bhan Cup at the same venue.
Glenorchy looking to recruit
Glenorchy Shinty Club are on the look-out for new players ahead of the 2020 shinty season.
Players of all ages and abilities are welcome and there is always a friendly atmosphere within the club.
Anyone interested or who has any questions can contact the club through their Facebook page or get in touch with any club member or player.
Kyles hail Barney’s contribution
Kyles Athletic hosted a special club night in the Royal Hotel, Tighnabruaich on Saturday
December 28 2019.
The event gave thanks for the marvellous contribution Kyles Athletic stalwart Barney Crawford has made over many years of dedication to the club.
Barney Crawford has served Kyles Athletic at every level over the years and he was given a presentation caman to mark his contribution.
His dedication to bringing young players through the Tighnabruaich club was described as being ‘simply amazing’ and the esteem in which the club’s young players hold him is testament to that. A Kyles Athletic spokesman said: ‘The term legend is thrown about far too easily in sport today but Barney is a true Kyles Athletic legend.’
Kyles Athletic also hosted their New Year Dance at the Kames Community Hall.
Gill goes again at Kinlochshiel
Kinlochshiel have confirmed that Johnston Gill remains as first team manager for next season.
Gill will again be assisted by Melvin Gill and Doe MacRae. The 2017 Mowi Premiership champions finished sixth in the top flight last season although they did decide to give game time to several of their promising youngsters over the final third of the season.
Kinlochshiel have also confirmed
three pre-season friendly games. They will play Fort William on Saturday February 8 and Glenurquhart a fortnight later.
’Shiel will round off their pre-season programme against Glasgow Mid Argyll on Saturday February 29. The venues will be determined by the weather and which pitches are playable.
These early season matches should present the opportunity for new signing Rhuairaidh MacDonald to make his debut. MacDonald has joined the club from Glengarry after skippering Ewen Cameron’s side to a second place finish in Mowi North Division 1 in 2019 when they ran champions Newtonmore seconds all the way to the final day of the season. ’Shiel will also hope that Keith MacRae has put his injury difficulties behind him ahead of the new campaign.
The club will also confirm the name of their new pitch at Balmacara during the pre-season.
Ross MacDiarmid is the new Kinlochshiel second team manager, replacing Willie MacRae, who stood down from the Mowi North Division 1 side at the end of last season.
Skye Camanachd plan for pre-season
Skye Camanachd first team co-managers Kenny MacLeod and Allan MacLeod have confirmed their pre-season programme ahead of the new shinty season.
Skye get their preparations underway when they host the seventh John MacKinnon Memorial Sixes at the Portree High School all-weather pitch on Saturday February 8. The event, which starts at 10am, remembers Skye Camanachd Vice President John MacKinnon, who died in December 2011 as the result of a tragic accident at work.
The Mowi National Division side follow that up with three consecutive away matches; all against Premiership opposition.
The Islanders travel to the Dell to play Mowi Premiership champions and Artemis Macaulay Cup holders Kingussie on Saturday February 15 before heading for Castle Leod to face Caberfeidh a week later.
The Skye squad will round off their pre-season programme against Lovat at Balgate on Saturday February 29. The competitive shinty season starts a week later on Saturday March 7.
Skye Camanachd are also on the look-out for a new second team manager ahead of the 2020 shinty season. Former co-managers David MacInnes and Daniel Morrison stepped down at the end of last season and the club are keen to have a replacement in place as soon as possible.
Anyone interested should speak to any board member or contact the club by e-mailing skyecamanachdshinty@gmail.com.
Bain stays on at GMA
Glasgow Mid Argyll have confirmed their coaching team for the 2020 shinty season.
Mark Bain and Neil McLay will again take charge of the first team for their Mowi Premiership campaign following their promotion from the National Division at the end of last season.
Bain and McLay will continue to be supported by former Kingussie player Rory Fraser, who will provide individual player analysis and coaching advice.
Physio duties will be undertaken by Brian Slattery, who will provide fitness coaching and advice on injury rehabilitation.
Last season was a good year for GMA as they secured a second place finish, behind champions Fort William, in shinty’s second tier, earning a return to the top flight, whilst they also lost narrowly to the Fort in the Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup final which took place at An Aird.
The Glasgow side has put together three first team pre-season friendlies so far and they head for Mossfield to play Oban Camanachd on Saturday February 15. The sides met at the same venue last pre-season with Oban Camanachd winning 5-1. Next up, GMA welcome Inveraray to Yoker on Saturday February 22 before travelling north to play Kinlochshiel on Saturday February 29.
Angus MacInnes and Nick Lavin will manage the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team who will again be competing in Mowi South Division 1.
The women’s section of the club will be coached by David Docherty with support from Ross Brown who was recently part of the Scotland coaching team.
GMA’s pre-season training commenced at Hillhead Sports Club on Monday January 6. The club training remains open to shinty players from all other clubs who are living or working in the greater Glasgow. Contact can be made via GMA’s Facebook page or by emailing Neil McLay at neil@m2ltd.co.uk
Glasgow Mid Argyll are keen to add to their playing squads for all teams for next season and would be delighted to hear from any players or indeed volunteers who would like to join the club.
New Camanachd Association appointment
The Camanachd Association has confirmed the appointment of Rory MacKeachan, who will be covering for Development Officer Katie Drain’s maternity leave.
Kingussie defender Rory MacKeachan, who will captain the first team for the 2020 shinty season, has represented the North at U14 and U17 level and has also been recognised by Scotland at both U17 and U21 level. He was also a key part of the Kingussie squad who lifted the Mowi Premiership and Artemis Macaulay Cup last season.
Rory MacKeachan’s contact details are: mobile – 07594260888 and e-mail - rory.mackeachan@shinty.com
Scotland University squads announcement
The Scotland University squads have been announced for the annual shinty/hurling /camogie matches against Irish opposition.
The men’s and women’s matches take place at the University of Limerick on Saturday February 22.
First up is the shinty/camogie encounter which throwsin at 3pm. Ardnamurchan have five players in the squad with Kate Bradley, Annie MacDonald, Hannah Whillis, Joanne Ford and Claire Ford all selected whilst there are also places for Glengarry’s Aoife Tangney and Badenoch’s Mairi Stewart.
Scotland University Women’s Squad from: Kate Bradley (Herriot Watt University), Annie MacDonald (City of Glasgow), Alice Scott (St Andrews University), Hannah Whillis (Edinburgh University), Mairi Stewart (Robert Gordon University), Aoife Tangney (Robert Gordon University), Joanne Ford (Dundee University), Riona Sedgewick (Edinburgh University), Orla McCarthy (Strathclyde University), Alaina MacLennan (City of Glasgow), Kirsty McArthur (Glasgow University), Tara McClelland (Napier University), Elyn Marwick (Glasgow University), Claire Ford (Dundee University), Shaina Archibald (University of Highlands & Islands), Ainslee Thistlewaite (St Andrews University), Caitlin Lorretto (Edinburgh University), Stella Fraser (Napier University)
Next up is the shinty/hurling encounter which throws-in at 5pm. The Scots have named a strong squad with Kingussie’s Calum Grant, Newtonmore’s Iain Robinson, Fort William’s Calum Shepherd and Ross Macrae from Kyles Athletic all part of the travelling pool.
Scotland University Men’s Team from: Matthew Young (Glasgow University), Andrew Morrison (Strathclyde University), Calum Grant (Herriot Watt University), Jonnie MacAskill (Strathclyde University), Nathan Whear (Edinburgh University), Ruairidh Ralston (Glasgow University), Calum Shepherd (Strathclyde University), Duncan Gorman (Napier University), Finlay Ralston (City of Glasgow College), Jack Berg (Edinburgh University), Iain Robinson (Abertay University), David McDougall (Herriot Watt University), Daniel Lamont (Herriot Watt University), Liam Arnott (Glasgow Caledonian University), Ross Macrae (Strathclyde University), Cameron Maxwell (Strathclyde University), CallumDean Morrice (Herriot Watt University), Jan-Hendrik Ewers (Glasgow University)
The coaches for the trip are Niamh Donnelly, Ross Brown, Paul MacArthur and Stuart Reid.
Mrs Jenny MacDonald, Maryburgh
Members of Caberfeidh shinty club and the wider shinty community were saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs Jenny MacDonald, Maryburgh on Thursday December 26 2019.
Jenny MacDonald was the widow of the late Tommy MacDonald, a past president and secretary of the club and member of various Camanachd Association committees. She was also mother of the late Jennifer, who had also been the Caberfeidh secretary for a number of years.
She will be greatly missed by all the members at Caberfeidh Shinty Club.
Jon Gallacher, Glasgow
The shinty community was shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Jon Gallacher.
Jon Gallacher was the founder member of the popular Facebook pages, The World of Shinty and Central Scotland Shinty. He was also a qualified Camanachd Association match official and a former coach and chairman at Glasgow Gaels.
Jon was also involved in the setting up of Glasgow Kelvin Camanachd and was a great supporter of youth shinty in the central belt.
The Camanachd Association passed on its condolences in a statement saying: ‘The Camanachd Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Gallagher, former Camanachd Association official. Jon officiated at the highest level within our sport and was a linesman at the 2015 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final when Lovat defeated Kyles Athletic 2-1 at Mossfield.
‘We are all upset to hear of the tragic turn that Jon’s life took over the past few years and wish his family peace at this troubling time.’
Billy Nimmo
Former Camanachd Association referee Billy Nimmo, passed away suddenly on Tuesday January 7.
Billy was also Camanachd Referees Association secretary/treasurer for more than 10 years, a role in which he was ably assisted by his wife, Isabel.