Camanachd Leodhais to host Skye in battle for cup

The Mòd Cup is always played for by two shinty teams near the venue of the National Mòd. Lewis won the Cup with an iconic victory in 2011 against Uist.

Sadly Uist are unable to raise a team this year and Skye second team have been called into the breach.

Skye are three time winners of the tournament in 1982, 1989, and 1998. 1989 was notable as the game was played at the Stornoway Mòd at Bayhead against Beauly. This was the last senior game of shinty to be played in Lewis until Camanachd Leòdhais entered the leagues.

Camanachd Leòdhais will mark ten years since re-establishment and five years since passing their trial period in the leagues at the beginning of December and the club is planning a year of events to mark their progress over those times. The visit of the Hebrides’ biggest league club is a suitable way to mark this coming of age.

As clubs, Lewis and Skye have had a strong bond over the years, with the clubs meeting on numerous occasions, most recently for the Kaid MacLean Cup in Portree in February, which the Sgitheanaich won 3-0.

Despite that good showing preseason against a strong Skye side, it was a frustrating start to the season for the Dubh is Gorm, but their end of season form showed that the hard work of Duncan MacIntyre and his coaches was bearing fruit and several young players shining in the closing weeks, including Paddy Sinclair, Steven Morrison and Scott MacLeod.

The Lamont brothers, Donald and Ally also finished the league season in fine scoring form.

Skye’s first team will be calling on some second team players as they battle for survival in the Premiership, but David Pringle’s side will still be strong favourites to take the silverware back across the Minch.

However, MacIntyre will be hopeful of finishing the season with some national silverware if his charges play to their full potential.

Skye warmed up with a 2-nil defeat of neighbour Kinlochshiel last week whereas Lewis haven’t played since they defeated Inverness 4-1.

An entertaining game should be in prospect as part of the curtain-raiser for the Gaelic festival.

The match begins at 2pm at Shawbost. Entry is free but there will be donations.

In other Hebridean shinty news, former Lewis player Scott Murray showed that his move to city side Aberdeen University, where he now lives, paid off with him scoring against Inverness as his side were presented with the North Division Two title at the Bught Park.

Former Uist Camanachd player Graham Black was also involved with the Varsity team as they were presented with their medals.