Skye to face Kingussie in first Camanachd Cup semi-final since 2017

By Jamie McDonald

Skye to face Kingussie in first Camanachd Cup semi-final since 2017

Skye Camanachd have been drawn against Kingussie in the semi-final of the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. It’s the first time Skye have reached this stage of the competition since 2017.

The Portree side knocked out Fort William in a closely fought tie at Pairc nan Laoch on Saturday. Fort took the lead through Ewen Campbell before Neil MacVicar levelled. Ruaraidh MacLeod and John Gillies made it 3-1 for the home side before Victor Smith pulled one back to set up a tense finish.

Speaking to Radio Skye, captain Ryan Harrison said:

“We are delighted with the result. There were some outstanding individual performances. Martin Pringle, for one, was probably the best I’ve seen him since I moved to Skye. Ross Gordon was just being as consistent as normal and Beans (Neil MacVicar) as well. Obviously Beans has taken an injury. We’ll just have to wait to see how long it takes him to recover.”

“We did make it hard for ourselves. There was some sloppy play from our defence which gave them opportunities, which we could have avoided, but we weathered the storm and came through with the three goals.

“We’ve definitely got new options now with John (Gillies) playing up front too.

“There’s a lot to look forward to. It’s going to be a busy three or four weeks with two semi-finals. We know we’ve got Kingussie on the 8th so we’re obviously looking to get as many Sgitheanaich down as possible to support us. The hard work starts now.”

Kingussie sit near the top of the Premiership and have been battling it out with Newtonmore for the league lead, while Skye have found themselves at the bottom of the table without a win, making their cup success a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season.

Kingussie’s never-say-die attitude was on display in the quarter-finals as they came from behind to beat Kinlochshiel 3-2 after extra-time at The Dell. Jay MacRae’s double for Shiel kept the visitors in front until the final 10 minutes of regulation time. Kingussie forced extra-time with two quick goals before Dylan Borthwick got the winner.

Skye last lifted the trophy in 1990 with a legendary 4-1 victory over Newtonmore at Fort William. The tie against Kingussie will be held on 8 August at The Dell. Holders Newtonmore will face Oban Camanachd on 15 August in the other semi-final.

The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final will be held on 19 September in Oban.

Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association, said:

“The Camanachd Cup always creates special occasions and this year’s semi-finals have all the ingredients to add another memorable chapter to the competition’s history.

“With Skye aiming to reach their first final since lifting the trophy in 1990, Oban Camanachd hoping to book a place in a home final for the first time since 1998, Newtonmore chasing what would be a record 91st appearance in the final, and Kingussie looking to reach a fifth consecutive final, there are some remarkable stories unfolding.

“Holding the draw at the Inverness Castle Experience, where the original Camanachd Cup is proudly displayed, is a fitting reminder of the rich heritage of our game and what this trophy means to clubs, players and supporters across the shinty community.

“We wish all four clubs the very best as they compete for a place in this year’s final.”