Mowi Hurling-Shinty International launched at Holyrood

The Mowi Hurling-Shinty International will return to Scotland for the first time since 2018.

This year marks the first fully unified delivery of the International, with the Camanachd Association, Women’s Camanachd Association, Camogie Association and Gaelic Athletic Association working together to bring two Scotland–Ireland matches to Bught Park, Inverness, on Saturday October 25. For the first time, the men’s and women’s fixtures will share equal billing on the same stage, reflecting the deepening partnership across our sports.

The launch took place in Edinburgh, where the four Presidents attended a photocall at Holyrood with the First Minister of Scotland. This marked the symbolic strengthening of the ties between Scotland and Ireland through sport.

Scotland First Minister John Swinney said: “The return of the Mowi Shinty-Hurling International to Scotland is a proud moment. Shinty is a game which is played and enjoyed in communities across our country, renowned for its history and deep cultural traditions.

“As a longtime supporter of women’s sports, I’m really pleased to see the Women’s final given it’s due prominence alongside the Men’s final at the international match in October and I look forward to backing the Scotland team.”

Proceedings would continue at the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh, where the Irish and Scottish Presidents, along with coaches and players, were hosted by Consul General Jerry O’Donovan and Minister for Sport Maree Todd. The reception highlighted the cultural bonds and mutual respect between the two nations.

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógíochta, said: “It is fantastic to see the Camogie–Shinty international rules match return to the calendar, giving our players the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. We are proud to partner with our sisters in sport in the Camanachd Association, as together we continue to promote female participation in sport. This occasion will not only be about competition, but also about celebrating our shared culture, friendship, and the passion that unites us across our two games. I would also like to thank the Europlan Group for supporting the Irish Camogie team in this series.”

Karen Williamson, President of the Women’s Camanachd Association, said: “We are delighted to see Mowi International return to Scotland. It gives our players the recognition they deserve and shines a light on the growing strength of women’s shinty. We are proud to play our part in building this partnership with our Irish friends.”

Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association, said: “The return of the Mowi Shinty-Hurling International is a special moment for everyone who loves our sport. By uniting the men’s and women’s fixtures, we are creating an occasion that reflects modern values of equality while staying true to our traditions. I am sure that both nations will showcase the pride they take in their native games, and I am delighted for the Scottish fans who will be able to take in this spectacle live.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, said: "One of the very first cups that we know that existed in our history is one that was put up by Michael Cusack himself for a hurling–shinty match. It speaks to the long-standing bond of family and connection between Ireland and Scotland. This game is a reflection of the abundance of heritage that we proudly share. I am delighted that this link continues and know how proud our hurlers and camogs are to wear this Irish jersey and represent their country. I want to thank Chumann Camanachd for their support."

The Consul General of Ireland to Scotland Jerry O'Donovan said "The annual international competition between camogie, shinty and hurling is a wonderful celebration of our unique sports and the only setting in which we can rightly showcase these games to an international audience. I am particularly delighted that the men's and women's fixtures will take place as a double header for the first time. The Department of Foreign Affairs is proud to support the travel costs of the Camogie Association to ensure that they have a level playing field as they represent their country in Inverness next month. We wish all the teams the very best of luck for what is sure to be a hard but fair competition"

The Scottish and Irish women will open proceedings on the 25th, with Scotland manager Ross Brown eager for a strong start. Ross Brown, Scotland Women’s Manager, said: “We have a lot of experience in the coaching team so they will help us adapt to the game, we know it will be a lot faster, but we are all looking forward to a great occasion. We know that there will be more of an ariel threat than we are necessarily used to but we will have a good squad full of experience.”

Ireland player Grainne McDonald spoke of her excitement to play the composite game: “Any chance to pull on the emerald jersey is an honour and a privilege, especially for such a unique occasion like shinty hurling – the meaning of the jersey goes so much deeper than just a shirt, and I can’t wait to play the game on October 25^th”.

The men’s match will follow at 2pm. Scotland’s new boss Alan MacRae said: “The Shinty Hurling International is unlike any other fixture. Selection will be fiercely competitive this year, which is a credit to the standard of play across our clubs. We know Ireland will be a formidable opponent, but we’re determined to rise to the challenge and showcase the very best of Scottish shinty.”

Irish Co-Manager Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton said: “I thought last year’s game was a fantastic spectacle, everyone who was at the game thought it was incredible. We are hoping to be able to secure a third victory in a row, once we get the final squad selected it will be about moving the ball as fast as possible, the skilful player will always be able to adapt to the cross-code game.”

Also in attendance was sponsors Mowi, the longest-standing sponsor of a Scottish sport. Ben Hadfield, Chief Operating Officer of Mowi Scotland, said: “Mowi is proud to stand alongside the Camanachd Association in bringing this international series back to Scotland. Our sponsorship is about more than supporting elite competition – it is about investing in communities, celebrating heritage and inspiring future generations. The Shinty Hurling International embodies all of that, and we are delighted to play our part.”