Inverness to host shinty hurling international as Strathpeffer joiner proud to be named Scotland captain to face Ireland at Bught Park
CABERFEIDH player Blair Morrison has been named captain for Scotland in the shinty/hurling international against Ireland at Bught Park in Inverness on Saturday.
The half-back will lead out his country on Saturday afternoon in the annual fixture between the two countries.
The 2024 Premiership player of the year is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation.
It will be the fourth time the Strathpeffer joiner will have played for Scotland having been capped in 2019, 2023 and 2024 – being named man of the match on his international debut.
• Read the full Scotland men’s and women’s squad here.
After being named captain, Morrison was presented with a kilt pin by Michael Campbell on behalf of his father Donald Campbell.
Morrison says it is a huge honour to be captain.
He said: “It’s a great honour to be chosen as Scotland captain and to lead the boys out come Saturday.
“The last few years have been really competitive, but I can’t wait to play in front of a home crowd in what should be a great atmosphere.
“The team have all been training hard and hopefully we will have enough to win back the trophy.”
Mairi Duncan has been named captain of the Scotland women’s team which will take on Ireland.
The Lochaber star lifted the Mowi Premier League title just a matter of weeks ago and is a two-time Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup winner.
She said: “I am delighted to be part of a historic international and getting to captain such a fantastic team of girls in front of our own fans.
“It’ll be a tough game against the very physical Irish, but I feel that the girls will put up a great challenge.”
The women’s game takes place at noon with the men’s game at 2pm.
Scotland men’s manager Alan MacRae said the annual match between Ireland is a unique chance to showcase both sports.
He said: “The Shinty Hurling International is unlike any other fixture.
“Selection was fiercely competitive this year, which is a credit to the standard of play across our clubs.
“We know Ireland will be a formidable opponent, but we’re determined to rise to the challenge and showcase the very best of Scottish shinty.”
Scotland women’s manager Ross Brown is also looking forward to the contest tomorrow.
He said: “We have a lot of experience in the coaching team so they will help us adapt to the game, we know it will be a lot faster, but we are all looking forward to a great occasion.”