|
Shinty Team News
Aberdeen University
Shinty Club
Aberdeen University
Shinty Club holds
the distinction of
being the oldest
constituted shinty
club in Scotland,
and therefore the
world. It is also
reputed to be the
oldest organised
sports club in the
University of
Aberdeen. In fact
this historic
occasion can be
dated back to 9
November 1861 in a
document held by the
University of
Aberdeen.
Shinty has its roots
in the highlands of
Scotland, and
possibly beyond that
more than 1500 years
ago in some form
from Ireland.
Although the sport
is predominantly
played in the North
and West of Scotland
teams exist in the
major cities in
Scotland and the
sport travels with
highlanders as they
move to other parts
of the world and in
some cases set up
clubs to continue
playing, examples of
this are London
Camanachd and
California Camanchd
club. Aberdeen
University Shinty
club was one such
club where a group
of
Highland exiles at
Aberdeen University
decided to
constitute a club
almost 150 years
ago.
In 2006 the club is
still predominantly
made up present day
highland exiles
although there are
increasing numbers
of newcomers to the
sport taking up the
game as they pass
through Aberdeen
University.
The club plays its
games at Aberdeen
University playing
fields at Balgownie.
Teams come from all
over Scotland to
play. The club
currently plays in
the Scottish North 1st
Division league.
Teams travel from as
far away as Skye and
Wester Ross,
Lochaber and as far
South as the Island
of Rothesay. The
clubs closest
competition is
Inverness Shinty
Club (a mere 100
miles away!).
Because of the
nature of travelling
that is involved the
club provides a
simple after match
reception to all
teams that travel
through to
Aberdeen. This year
we have held this at
the Brig Inn, which
is located close to
our pitches in the
Bridge of Don and
provides a good
atmosphere for the
teams to mix after a
hard game! The
landlord (Joe)
provides good meals
that are appreciated
by travelling teams
before their often
long trips home on a
Saturday night.
In 2005 the club had
probably one of its
best seasons ever.
At the beginning of
the season the club
won the recently
resurrected National
Intermediate Indoor
6 a-side competition
in Perth. By the
end of the season
this was added to by
the Scottish North
Division 2 Title and
the National Junior
competition the
Sutherland Cup, only
the fourth time the
club had won the
trophy. Off the
park the club has
increased its
student turn over to
approximately 40
members. Whilst it
is accepted that
students are
transitional in
their stay in
Aberdeen it is hoped
that this will
continue with
players feeding into
the senior team.
The club is
currently in the
middle of the season
– remaining home
games include:
Inverness – 19th
August
Lochaber – 2nd
September
Kinlochshiel – 7th
October
Lovat – 14th
October
Games are on
Saturday at 14:30,
we welcome any
supporters, or
anyone interested in
the sport. We are
currently looking
for volunteers to
help out as goal
judges or linesmen.
More about shinty at
www.shinty.com
After winning the
indoor 6’s, February
2005
The team before a
match at Balgownie
2005
|
