The Macaulay Association Winter Series for the Oban area came to a close on Sunday the 17th of March. Teams from Mull, Oban and Mid Argyll attended the 5 monthly events which started back in October. There were 21 teams were in attendance for the final event: Rockfield Primary, Park Primary, St Columba’s Primary, Taynuilt, Bunessan Primary (Mull), Kilmory, Kilmartin/Craignish. Inveraray who have also been regular attendants were unable to make the final event. The event was split into two age categories with a Primary 5 and Under section and a Primary 6/7 competition running afterwards.

There were 15 entries into the younger session and the kids put on some very entertaining and close encounters. The teams played 6-minute games. A very strong Rockfield Blues side came out on top accumulating impressive points total over the 5 events. With Kilmory narrowly edging out Park Primary for 2nd position. All the kids received medals from David Thompson and David Hamilton from the Macaulay Association who sponsored this event.

The Primary 6/7 competition had 6 teams playing on the final day. With 3 teams from Rockfield, including their Primary 5 and Under team, Kilmory and 2 St Columba’s teams. Again, Rockfield Blues came out as victors being very consistent over the 5 competitions. Kilmory finished in the runners up spot this time narrowly beating out St Columba’s. All participating teams were given medals from the Macaulay Association on the final day.

Will Cowie from the Camanachd Association commented “It is absolutely tremendous to see so many young players attending these events. A massive thanks has to go to the local schools, parents, coaches and volunteers who made this event such a success. You can see the improvement in the kids at every event which is a testament to the hard work that is going on in the background from these coaches and volunteers. I would like to thank the Macaulay Association for sponsoring this series without their support this couldn’t have happened. I certainly believe that the future is bright for Oban shinty with the support this series received.”

Macaulay President Roddy McCuish added “What an outstanding event. It’s wonderful to see so many teams of all abilities taking part. It’s all about getting as many children playing shinty as possible and events like this go a long way to them playing at all levels The MacAulay Association look forward to providing more events like this in partnership with the Camanachd Association.”

The Winter Series proved to be a massive success for primary shinty in Oban. It is great having traditionally very talented shinty schools in Taynuilt, Park and St Columba’s back playing again and having multiple teams competing. The momentum that has been gathered with this series will hopefully continue into the summer outdoor season.