Shinty Success

Last week our school shinty team were away playing a game. They were at Castle Leod in Strathpeffer. The game was very fair and we won 1-0. Our goal was scored by Ian and our team voted for Jordan as the best player. The team said their defence was great but Niall was amazing. One of our players said the game was very hard but we deserved to win.They scored the goal on the 56th minute. We will bring you another report after our next game.

By Ross + Liam

Photo by Victoria

The Basic Game of Shinty

Shinty was invented when settlers from Ireland brought the sport of hurling to Scotland, where the game was played as such until the 14 century. Though the caman, is a traditional shinty stick it is a different shape. The game was traditionally played through the winter months, with New Year’s Day being the day when whole villages would gather together to play games featuring teams of up to 80 a side, players often using any piece of wood with a hook as a caman. Even though shinty originated from hurling there are a few differences. In hurling you are allowed to pick up the ball and run with it for a short distance, unlike in shinty where this is against the rules.  

The game of shinty has strict rules and is played with two teams of twelve and normally has three substitutes. It’s played with two periods of forty five minutes. To keep the game under control there are rules. The main rules are – you are not allowed to kick the ball, the goalkeeper is the only person that is allowed to handle the ball, you are not allowed to header the ball and you are not allowed to hit, kick or trip up your opponent and you are not allowed to go inside the box before the ball. 

There are twelve players on a shinty team. These are a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, one half forward and three full forwards. Each of these players plays a vital role in the team. 

By Euan and Callum