Walsh to captain Irish for annual hybrid test

WITH THE International Rules series with Australia in uncertain suspension until at least next year, the only true international outlet for the GAA these days is the annual hurling-shinty match against Scotland, which takes place this Saturday in Bught Park, Inverness.

The unusual hybrid game between the ancient Scottish and Irish pastimes has been once again rejuvenated in recent years, and for a while Ireland appeared to have established some dominance, a major turnaround on the previous years when Scotland would normally produce significant winning margins.

However, Scotland have regained command and are now seeking a fourth win in succession, having secured a victory over Ireland in Nowlan Park last year, albeit on the narrow score line of 1-10 to 1-9.

Saturday’s programme of games also includes an under-21 challenge, followed by a camogie equivalent.

But it’s the senior game that will attract most interest, not least because this year’s captain has been announced as Kilkenny All Star Tommy Walsh.

As in recent years, however, the majority of the Irish team is made up of players from the smaller hurling counties, those in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher competitions.

Walsh is the only Kilkenny hurler, although there are two Offaly representatives in defenders Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin, which is at least partly explained by the fact the Irish manager is Offaly boss Joe Dooley, who will be assisted by Kevin Ryan of Carlow and Jim McKernan of Down.

Walsh also played last year, and, unsurprisingly, was quickly taken in by the quite ferocious tackling and extreme physical elements of the game; he admitted afterwards that wearing shin guards was highly recommended.

Throw-in is 2.10pm, but TG4 will be providing full, deferred coverage from 5pm, with commentary by Gearóid Mac Donncha.

IRISH SHINTY TEAM(v Scotland): 1 Paddy Mullaney (Laois), 2 Joe Bergin (Offaly), 3 Steven Clynch (Meath), 4 Kieran Divilly (Kildare), 5 Shane Dooley (Offaly), 6 John Griffin (Kerry), 7 David Harney (Kildare), 8 Gareth Johnston (Down), 9 Shane Kavanagh (Carlow), 10 David Kirby (Meath), 11 John McIntosh (Antrim), 12 Paul McCormack (Armagh), 13 Seán McCullagh (Derry), 14 Shane O'Neill (Cork), 15 Paddy Richmond (Antrim), 16 John Rogers (Carlow), 17 John Rowney (Laois), 18 Tommy Walsh (capt, Kilkenny).