Latest news with #MacTavishCup
Press and Journal
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Super-sub helps Lovat into MacTavish Cup final - as Celtic Society Cup finalists also revealed
Greg Matheson came off the substitutes' bench to help send Lovat on their way to a 2-0 victory over Fort William and into shinty's WM Donald MacTavish Cup Final. Matheson forced the ball home when he was on the ground after Craig Mainland's long ball forward and good play from Graeme Macmillan on the left. Marc MacLachlan confirmed Lovat's MacTavish Cup victory on 70 minutes. It is a first final for new Lovat boss Iain Nicolson, who said: 'Super-sub Greg scored within his first couple of touches – but the whole squad rose to the task and I couldn't have asked any more of them. 'We knew we were in for a hard game with the form Fort are in, so to get the win, a clean sheet and two goals is credit to the boys.' Holders Kingussie are back in the MacTavish Cup final as Roddy Young's a low strike from a central position, and Savio Genini's lofted ball over the keeper from the left sealed their 2-0 win over Lochaber. Manager Iain Borthwick said: 'Where do I start with that game… 'We lost Liam Borthwick and Fraser Munro with hamstring injuries so had to change our plans and struggled to get going. 'I thought we deserved our two quick goals in the second half, but we still relied on a couple of good Rory McGregor saves before the end.' Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup holders Oban Camanachd beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 2-1 to reach their final. Calum McLay – playing at full centre – surged forward before shooting through a ruck of players to put GMA ahead. But, following the first half water-break, the Oban side regrouped, finishing the half strongly with Ross Macmillan levelling after Daniel MacVicar's good run. With five minutes remaining, substitute Malcolm Clark floated the ball to the back post and Gregor Macdonald ran forward to take the ball down and win the tie. Oban assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: 'It could have gone either way during the final 10 minutes – and credit to GMA who are a good side and defended well – but we pressed at the end and got our reward. 'We weren't at our best quality-wise, but you can't fault the boys for their effort, application, fitness and attitude.' Meanwhile, Kyles Athletic also came good during the final 10 minutes to force extra-time and reach the final after beating Inveraray 3-2. Neil Campbell and Ruaraidh Graham had Inveraray 2-0 ahead before Luke Thornton countered for Kyles from a tight angle with just four minutes remaining. In the final minute, Innes Macdonald's corner broke back to him. He took a touch to better the angle and his shot flew by the keeper off a defender's boot. In extra-time, Will Cowie squared the ball across the D and James Pringle got across his marker to finish off the near post. In Saturday's league business, Newtonmore beat Kinlochshiel 2-0 to go fourth in the Mowi Premiership. Iain Robinson's early opener came from Matthew Sloss' free-hit, while his second from the right went in off keeper Josh Grant – who later redeemed himself with a brilliant save from the impressive Matthew Sloss, tipping the youngster's swerving shot over the bar. More manager Peter Ross said: 'The whole team are contributing, and we have to keep it going and keep playing our shinty. 'I thought Matthew Sloss was outstanding and was only denied a goal by Josh's wonder-save.' It's now four straight Newtonmore wins without conceding, and full-back Rory Kennedy added: 'Building a solid defence is massive for us. We know we've guys upfront who can score, so as long as we keep it tight at the back, we'll give ourselves every chance of winning games.' Caberfeidh were without injured talisman Craig Morrison, but Kevin Bartlett, Logan Beaton and Kyles Grant earned a 3-0 win over Beauly. Rory McDonald's brace and Scott Harvey's hat-trick helped Bute go third in the Mowi National Division after impressing 5-0 at Glenurquhart.
Press and Journal
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Cup finals to be set - as Premier Division leaders Kingussie welcome back star man for meeting with National Division table-toppers
The first finalists of the shinty season will soon be known as the north and south cup competitions reach the semi-final stage this weekend. It is one defender in and one defender out for holders Kingussie ahead of their WM Donald MacTavish Cup semi against Lochaber. Their 2023 national player of the year Robert Mabon returns, but Rory MacKeachan faces a spell on the sidelines. Manager Iain Borthwick explained: 'Robert flies into the country today (Friday), but Rory's out with hamstring problems again and could be missing for a good few weeks. 'Ruaridh Anderson completed a 40km cycle this week and said his ankle's good, whilst Lee Bain trained and should be in the squad. 'Lochaber are deadly upfront, scoring lots of goals, and we won't take them lightly.' While Kingussie are top of the Mowi Premiership and clear favourites, Lochaber lead the Mowi National Division. Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson said: 'Kingussie's track record speaks for itself, and they were the team the other clubs wished to avoid. 'However, we've prepared well, and the game will be played on the amazing surface at The Dell, which our lads will relish. 'There's no doubt we'll need to be at our very best to progress to the final.' Lovat and Fort William contest the other MacTavish Cup semi. The former side were last in the final in 2014, when they lifted the trophy, while Fort were beaten finalists last year, last lifting the trophy in 2007. Lovat boss Iain Nicolson said: 'I targeted this cup when I came in at the start of the season as it's been a while since we've had success in this competition. 'It's a massive opportunity, especially with home advantage, but we'll have to be at our best against a Fort team in great form and full of confidence.' Lovat rested forward Greg Matheson last week, but he returns for this one. Fort William co-manager Alan Knox added: 'This has potential to be a cracker. 'We have Calum Shepherd back in the squad and Cam Stephen has trained, so we'll see how he is. 'Craig MacDonald is still out, but everyone else is fit. 'We had a good result last Saturday so hopefully we can kick on and reach another final.' Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup holders Oban Camanachd entertain Glasgow Mid Argyll. 'Oban assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: 'This will be tough as GMA are well-coached and are Premiership quality, so we'll have to be prepared both mentally and physically for a battle. 'We won't rush Louie MacFarlane or Daniel MacCuish back, but Craig Macmillan's free after suspension.' GMA manager Alan MacRae said: 'Oban Camanachd are a well-established Premiership side, so pose a real challenge. 'We're still without Craig Anderson and we lost Cammie McCue on Saturday with possible ligament damage. 'Rory MacDiarmid misses out due to work commitments.' Kyles Athletic welcome Inveraray as they search for a first Celtic Society success since 2021. Manager Grant Profit said: 'We're excited about this game. 'Ross Macrae remains out and Roddy Macdonald's unavailable, but keeper Iain MacFarlane returns, as does Scott Macdonald. We're raring to go.' Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore can close the gap on the Mowi Premiership's leading pack when they meet at Rearaig. Shiel's Finlay MacRae and More's Drew MacDonald both didn't play last weekend and face fitness tests. Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid was unhappy with his team's performance against Fort William last weekend, so will be looking for improvement against Beauly, who have defender Angus Renwick free of suspension. Glenurquhart host Bute in the Mowi National Division. There was late drama as Mowi WCA Premier League leaders Badenoch won 2-1 at Skye. Skye's Holly Maclean cancelled out Hope Borthwick's opener with just a couple of minutes remaining, but there was still time for Megan Ralph's late winner. Lochaber leapfrog Skye into second place as Leah Maxtone's double and Elaine Wink earned a 3-0 win at Inverness.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shinty player with MND fears for family's future
A former shinty captain says he is wracked with worries for his family's financial future after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Dad-of-four Lachlan Campbell, of Spean Bridge in the Highlands, spent years building up his joinery business but has had to give up work due to the terminal neurological illness. MND stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles and the 47-year-old was unable to cope with the physical demands of his job. The disease has badly affected his speech, and Lachlan says he has struggled to be understood when seeking financial support. Lachlan was diagnosed with MND three years ago. "My voice totally went. I was dropping things and being clumsy - I thought I was losing my mind," he says, recalling the early warning signs he had the disease. "When I was diagnosed it was the news I was dreading – for me it was the worst case scenario." Nurse at MND lecture was unaware she had disease Doddie Weir charity invests £500,000 in MND clinical trials Lachlan is well known in shinty circles as a captain of Lochaber and for playing in the game's premier league. He competed in various cup competitions, including the Camanachd Cup and appeared in two MacTavish Cup finals. Lachlan later went on to coach Lochaber's junior sides and represented Scotland in games against Ireland. He was also a keen golfer. Outside sport, he worked hard to build up his joinery business. MND has left him unable to cope with the physical side of his work. He says: "I fall quite regularly so it's a matter of time until I really hurt myself. "I had to make a decision to do what's best for the family because if I injure myself the recovery will not be easy." MND causes muscle weakness and wasting. It can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. Lachlan says his biggest fear is the financial impact on his family. With his wife Leeann he has three daughters, Molly, 24, Regan, 23, Lacey, 18 and a son Max, 21. All but one of their children live at home. There are grants available, but Lachlan says the funding is limited. He says he has tried to apply for statutory benefits but has found the process a huge challenge - made even harder because he has difficulty talking. "I had a real issue trying to apply for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when I was first diagnosed and my mental state wasn't good, and then trying to have a long conversation with someone who couldn't understand what I was saying – I just gave up in the end," he says. Lachlan believes he has lost two years' of financial support. He says: "If you have a disease like this then PIP should be offered to you – you shouldn't have to claim it because it's not easy. "Once you stop earning, all the bills are still there, even if you have an incurable disease, the bills keep coming." The UK's Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said it could not comment without certain personal information being provided. Social Security Scotland, a Scottish government agency that helps to deliver social security payments, has been approached for comment. Leeann works part-time as she balances caring for her husband. She says: "Knowing that he's going to get worse is a horrible thought – it keeps me awake at night. "It worries me how I'm even going to cope looking after him when he gets to a certain stage. "Every day I think if he can get up and go out and do whatever he does then I can't just sit about and be sad and angry – I still have to keep going too." Leeann is also daunted by their financial situation and worries about when she will have to give up work and care for Lachlan full-time. She says: "Do you potentially have the threat of losing our home as well, on top of your husband not being well and there's nothing you can do about it?" Lachlan has thrown himself into raising awareness about MND and fundraising. He has raised more than £10,000 so far for families affected by the disease. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is currently no cure or meaningful treatments. Lachlan says although his diagnosis has robbed him of so much, including playing his beloved shinty, he is determined to remain positive and spend as much time with his family and secure their financial future. He says: "Really the only thing that's important is to try and enjoy the life I've got left and make sure my family are enjoying it with me." Leeann adds: "I thought we had a long time together where we would grow old together, see the kids have kids, get married - all that kind of stuff. "But knowing that probably isn't going to happen, it makes you really appreciate the time you've got with each other." Regan says her dad's attitude is inspirational. She says: "We can't sit being all doom and gloom when he's the one that's actually unwell and he's the one being positive so we've just got to try and do that as well." Her sister Molly adds: "It's such a horrible, horrible disease. "You're literally just watching someone lose themselves right in front of your eyes and there's literally nothing you can do." MND Scotland said the disease put huge strains on families. The charity's Angela Harris said: "We are here to support people so they are not on their own with it at all. "We would strongly advise anyone whose got a diagnosis or is affected in this way to come to MND Scotland and talk to the support team." Dr Madina Kara, director of research at the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said work was continuing to find a cure. MND Scotland My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
BBC News
14-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Highland shinty player Lachlan Campbell tells of MND's impact on family life
A former shinty captain says he is wracked with worries for his family's financial future after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).Dad-of-four Lachlan Campbell, of Spean Bridge in the Highlands, spent years building up his joinery business but has had to give up work due to the terminal neurological stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles and the 47-year-old was unable to cope with the physical demands of his disease has badly affected his speech, and Lachlan says he has struggled to be understood when seeking financial support. Lachlan was diagnosed with MND three years ago."My voice totally went. I was dropping things and being clumsy - I thought I was losing my mind," he says, recalling the early warning signs he had the disease."When I was diagnosed it was the news I was dreading – for me it was the worst case scenario." Lachlan is well known in shinty circles as a captain of Lochaber and for playing in the game's premier competed in various cup competitions, including the Camanachd Cup and appeared in two MacTavish Cup later went on to coach Lochaber's junior sides and represented Scotland in games against was also a keen golfer. Outside sport, he worked hard to build up his joinery has left him unable to cope with the physical side of his says: "I fall quite regularly so it's a matter of time until I really hurt myself. "I had to make a decision to do what's best for the family because if I injure myself the recovery will not be easy."MND causes muscle weakness and wasting. It can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. Lachlan says his biggest fear is the financial impact on his his wife Leeann he has three daughters, Molly, 24, Regan, 23, Lacey, 18 and a son Max, 21. All but one of their children live at home. There are grants available, but Lachlan says the funding is says he has tried to apply for statutory benefits but has found the process a huge challenge - made even harder because he has difficulty talking."I had a real issue trying to apply for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when I was first diagnosed and my mental state wasn't good, and then trying to have a long conversation with someone who couldn't understand what I was saying – I just gave up in the end," he believes he has lost two years' of financial says: "If you have a disease like this then PIP should be offered to you – you shouldn't have to claim it because it's not easy."Once you stop earning, all the bills are still there, even if you have an incurable disease, the bills keep coming."The UK's Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said it could not comment without certain personal information being Security Scotland, a Scottish government agency that helps to deliver social security payments, has been approached for comment. Leeann works part-time as she balances caring for her husband. She says: "Knowing that he's going to get worse is a horrible thought – it keeps me awake at night."It worries me how I'm even going to cope looking after him when he gets to a certain stage."Every day I think if he can get up and go out and do whatever he does then I can't just sit about and be sad and angry – I still have to keep going too."Leeann is also daunted by their financial situation and worries about when she will have to give up work and care for Lachlan says: "Do you potentially have the threat of losing our home as well, on top of your husband not being well and there's nothing you can do about it?"Lachlan has thrown himself into raising awareness about MND and fundraising. He has raised more than £10,000 so far for families affected by the disease. The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is currently no cure or meaningful says although his diagnosis has robbed him of so much, including playing his beloved shinty, he is determined to remain positive and spend as much time with his family and secure their financial says: "Really the only thing that's important is to try and enjoy the life I've got left and make sure my family are enjoying it with me."Leeann adds: "I thought we had a long time together where we would grow old together, see the kids have kids, get married - all that kind of stuff. "But knowing that probably isn't going to happen, it makes you really appreciate the time you've got with each other." Inspirational dad Regan says her dad's attitude is says: "We can't sit being all doom and gloom when he's the one that's actually unwell and he's the one being positive so we've just got to try and do that as well."Her sister Molly adds: "It's such a horrible, horrible disease."You're literally just watching someone lose themselves right in front of your eyes and there's literally nothing you can do."MND Scotland said the disease put huge strains on charity's Angela Harris said: "We are here to support people so they are not on their own with it at all."We would strongly advise anyone whose got a diagnosis or is affected in this way to come to MND Scotland and talk to the support team."Dr Madina Kara, director of research at the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said work was continuing to find a cure.
