Published: 30 Aug 2012
Caithness and Sutherland shinty teams are currently preparing to play each other for the first time since the Mod Cup of 2010 when the Caithness side beat their closest neighbours.
The match is being played in memory of local shinty stalwart the Reverend Kenny ‘Nostie’ Macleod of Thurso Free Church who died in April of this year. Kenny played a leading role in the development of shinty in the county. In 2006, assisted by his wife Marianna, he established Thurso Junior Shinty Club to promote the game amongst the youngsters of the area. In 2008 he co-founded Naver Athletic, the first senior shinty team in the far north since the Dounreay team of the 1960s. His greatest success in far north shinty came at the fore-mentioned Mod Cup when he captained the Caithness team to victory at Bignold Park in Wick.
The forthcoming match will take place at Viewfirth Park in Thurso on Saturday 29th September 2012 at 3.00pm. The Caithness side will consist of former players from Thurso Junior Shinty Club. Along with them will be players from an earlier era in Caithness shinty, when PE teacher Rachel Mennie developed the sport in schools across the county during the 1990s.
There will be a family connection too - Kenny’s daughter Isobel and his niece Katie Booth who plays for Aberdour senior shinty team will be joining the ranks of their male counterparts. The pool will be completed by other enthusiasts from around Caithness.
The Sutherland team will consist of past and present players from the two shinty teams in the county - Kinlochbervie Camanachd and Farr High School (Bettyhill).
Entrance at the match is free, but donations will be gratefully received for The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
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