Hurling-Shinty series returns to Scotland

A SPECIAL event was held in Edinburgh recently to announce the return of the Mowi Hurling-Shinty International to Scotland for the first time since 2018.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, was present at the launch, as were representatives from the Camogie, Hurling and Shinty organisations, Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Jerry O’Donovan and Ben Hadfield, Chief Operating Officer of sponsors Mowi Scotland.

This year marks the first fully unified delivery of the International, with the Camanachd Association, Women’s Camanachd Association, Camogie Association and Gaelic Athletic Association working together to bring two Scotland vs Ireland matches to Bught Park, Inverness, on Saturday October 25. For the first time, the men’s and women’s fixtures will share equal billing on the same stage, reflecting the deepening partnership across the sports.

Strengthening ties

The four presidents of the respective organisations attended a photocall at Holyrood with the First Minister, marking the symbolic strengthening of the ties between Ireland and Scotland through sport.

“The return of the Mowi Hurling-Shinty International to Scotland is a proud moment,” First Minister John Swinney said. “Shinty is a game which is played and enjoyed in communities across our country, renowned for its history and deep cultural traditions.

“As a longtime supporter of women’s sports, I’m really pleased to see the Women’s Final given it’s due prominence alongside the Men’s Final at the international match in October and I look forward to backing the Scotland team.”

After the photocall, proceedings moved on to the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh, where the Irish and Scottish Presidents, along with coaches and players, were hosted by the Consul General Jerry O’Donovan and Minister for Sport Maree Todd. The reception highlighted the cultural bonds and mutual respect between the two nations.

“It is fantastic to see the Camogie–Shinty International Rules Match return to the calendar, giving our players the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage,” Brian Molloy, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógíochta, said. “We are proud to partner with our sisters in sport in the Camanachd Association, as together we continue to promote female participation in sport. This occasion will not only be about competition, but also about celebrating our shared culture, friendship, and the passion that unites us across our two games. I would also like to thank the Europlan Group for supporting the Irish Camogie team in this series.”

Karen Williamson, President of the Women’s Camanachd Association, added: “We are delighted to see Mowi International return to Scotland. It gives our players the recognition they deserve and shines a light on the growing strength of women’s shinty. We are proud to play our part in building this partnership with our Irish friends.”

Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, both spoke enthusiastically about this year’s International at the launch and lauded the links both historical and current between the two sports.

“The return of the Mowi Hurling-Shinty International is a special moment for everyone who loves our sport,” Burton Morrison. “By uniting the men’s and women’s fixtures, we are creating an occasion that reflects modern values of equality while staying true to our traditions. I am sure that both nations will showcase the pride they take in their native games, and I am delighted for the Scottish fans who will be able to take in this spectacle live.”

Jarlath Burns added: “One of the very first cups that we know that existed in our history is one that was put up by Michael Cusack himself for a Hurling–Shinty match. It speaks to the long-standing bond of family and connection between Ireland and Scotland. This game is a reflection of the abundance of heritage that we proudly share. I am delighted that this link continues and know how proud our hurlers and camogs are to wear this Irish jersey and represent their country. I want to thank Chumann Camanachd for their support.”

Celebrating heritage

For his part, Jerry O’Donovan was delighted that the Irish Consulate could play a part in the launch and described the annual competition as a ‘wonderful celebration of our unique sports.’

“The annual international competition between camogie, shinty and hurling is a wonderful celebration of our unique sports and the only setting in which we can rightly showcase these games to an international audience,” he said. “I am particularly delighted that the men’s and women’s fixtures will take place as a double header for the first time. The Department of Foreign Affairs is proud to support the travel costs of the Camogie Association to ensure that they have a level playing field as they represent their country in Inverness this month. We wish all the teams the very best of luck for what is sure to be a hard, but fair competition”

The Scottish and Irish women will open proceedings on the 25th, with the men’s match taking place afterwards.

Ben Hadfield, the Chief Operating Officer of Mowi Scotland, spoke of his pride at once again sponsoring the international series and their commitment to investing in communities.

“Mowi is proud to stand alongside the Camanachd Association in bringing this international series back to Scotland,” he said. “Our sponsorship is about more than supporting elite competition—it is about investing in communities, celebrating heritage and inspiring future generations. The Hurling-Shinty International embodies all of that, and we are delighted to play our part.”