First for Deans as women take on Dublin in anniversary duel

Kirsty Deans will captain Scotland for the first time when they face Dublin County Select in the first ever women’s shinty-camogie international at Bught Stadium pitch, Inverness, on Saturday.

This clash, with a noon start, gives the women parity with their male colleagues for the first time in the month of the Camanachd Association’s 125th anniversary.

Deans, a 27-year-old PE teacher at Forres Academy who lives in Kingussie, said: “It’s my 10th time in Scotland colours so I’m thrilled to be chosen as captain, particularly on this historic occasion.

“In the past, we’ve been allocated a lesser pitch to avoid damaging the main one but it’ll be something special to be on the big arena and we’re keen to make the most of it.

“The fact that it is being televised live on BBC Alba is an- other huge step forward for the women’s game, after our women’s Camanachd final at Kingussie last month was also screened. It’s a huge lift for the sport, which is expanding rapidly.

“Eleven of the 18-strong squad are from Badenoch and Skye, which give us a strong backbone. Our manager Stuart Reid has done a terrific job.

“He’s moved to Ireland and actually has a job in camogie, which has enabled him to pass on lots of training ideas to emulate. Sue Emery, the Highland Rugby Club physio, is the new face in our backroom staff and the preparation has gone well.

“Playing in front of a bigger crowd is a real stimulus for us and if we can pull off a win it would be the icing on the cake on a great day for the women’s game.”

The all-action Badenoch and Strathspey battler was voted player of the match when Badenoch beat Skye in a thrilling final and the same teams fought out a 5-5 thriller at Portree last week, which gave the islanders the league title.

Super-fit Kirsty is not confined to the stick game. She also plays for Forfar Farmington FC in the women’s national football league.

Now playing in the forward line instead of her customary midfield, the dynamic Deans is determined not to allow the Dublin defence to settle.