Shinty-Hurling International: Scotland edge thriller

Shinty-hurling international

24 October 2026; Séamus Harnedy of Ireland during the 2026 Hurling/Shinty International match between Ireland and Scotland at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Scotland 4-12 Ireland 2-17

By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Zander Michie pointed a last-gasp penalty to give Scotland their first shinty-hurling international victory over Ireland since 2019 after a thrilling contest at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Billy Nolan had converted an 83rd-minute levelling free and made six saves, but his last stop was pulled back for a penalty when Darragh Neary threw his hurley as Thomas Borthwick shot at goal.

Goals from midfielders Neary and Diarmaid Stritch had kept Ireland in touch against the wind and they looked likely winners entering the last 10 minutes. But Iain Robinson and Innes Blackhall’s goals set up a grandstand finish.

Eamon O’Shea’s 20-man squad included players from all five hurling tiers, with eight having played in the All-Ireland SHC this year.

The 14-a-side contest featured two-man inside lines and an extra player in midfield. That made for a congested and physical centre. Six substitutes were rolled on and off to retain freshness throughout the 80-minute encounter.

After a handful of early misses, one of Ireland’s most experienced shinty internationals, Antrim half-back Gerard Walsh, got the hosts on the board with a tidy jab lift and precise strike from the left flank.

Backed by a strong wind blowing into the Blackrock End, Scotland soon got the upper hand. They reeled off 1-4 without reply as Calum McLay whipped a neat move to the net after nine minutes.

Walsh nailed an outstanding sideline cut into the wind, but Scotland had their own dead-ball ace in Michie. He converted six placed balls off the ground, including two 65s.

Nolan kept Ireland close with reflex saves from Ruaridh Anderson and Donald Nixon’s vicious low drives. Aaron Dunphy also forced the Scottish keeper into action, while Andrew Ormond’s frees closed the gap.

On the half-hour, Nolan saved superbly from McLay, but the Waterford stopper had no luck as the rebound fell for the attacker to prod home his second.

Trailing by seven, Ireland came straight upfield. Neary absorbed a painful blow from the throw-in, but shook it off to guide the sliotar forward from the 45 and tuck away.

Ireland needed another brilliant Nolan save before further trimming the deficit. Pearse Óg McCrickard juggled the sliotar into Stritch’s path and the Clare hotshot planted a rising shot into the top corner. They trailed 2-7 to 2-4 at half-time.

In a stop-start opening to the second half, Michie’s fourth free extended Scotland’s lead before the Irish comeback began.

Cian O’Sullivan and Ormond found the target. He never took one for Cork, but newly retired home favourite Séamus Harnedy got the rare opportunity to convert a free. Fermanagh’s Luca McCusker arrowed over a terrific leveller on the turn. Dunphy then converted a free to give Ireland their first lead in 50 minutes.

It didn’t last long as Robinson equalised from an outrageous angle before Nolan was called into action for his fifth save to deny Danny Kelly.

A couple of hurleys were broken as the intensity rose in a hard-hitting second half before Robinson provided Scotland’s lead goal.

Three consecutive Dunphy frees gave Ireland the edge and Sam O’Farrell’s sublime effort looked the insurance score, but Blackhall’s goal ignited the stoppage-time drama.

Scorers for Scotland: Calum McLay 2-1; Zander Michie 0-6 (3f, 2 65s, 1p); Iain Robinson 1-1; Innes Blackhall 1-0; Declan Brannan 0-2 (1f, 1 65); Ruaridh Anderson, Daniel MacVicar 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ireland: Aaron Dunphy 0-5 (5f); Darragh Neary, Diarmaid Stritch 1-0 each; Andrew Ormond 0-3 (2f); Gerard Walsh (1 s/l), Sam O’Farrell 0-2 each; Cian O’Sullivan, Luca McCusker, Séamus Harnedy (f), Pearse Óg McCrickard, Billy Nolan (f) 0-1 each.

SCOTLAND: Bob McGregor; Rory Kennedy, Ryan Harrison; Blair Morrison, Andy MacDonald, Daniel Sloss; Zander Michie, Thomas Borthwick, Danny Kelly; Declan Brannan, Innes Blackhall, Daniel MacVicar; Calum McLay, Iain Robinson. Interchange: Duncan Matheson, Ali McClean, Donald Nixon, Ruaridh Anderson, Neily McNaughton, Lewis Cameron.

IRELAND: Billy Nolan; Mikey Butler, Ian Shanahan; Gerard Walsh, Meehaul McGrath, Ryan Mullaney; Darragh Neary, Fiachra C Fennell, Diarmuid Stritch; Aaron Dunphy, Sam O’Farrell, Séamus Harnedy; Andrew Ormond, Cian O’Sullivan.
Interchange: Luca McCusker, Pearse Óg McCrickard, Joe Murray, Patrick Turner, Kyle O’Connor, Damien Healey.

Referee: Eamonn Furlong (Wexford).

Shinty-Camogie International: Ireland too strong for Scotland

IRELAND 9-11 SCOTLAND 1-3

By Brian Barry

Ireland were too strong for Scotland in Saturday’s Camogie-Shinty international contest at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, running out 9-11 to 1-3 winners.

Aimie Nolan top-scored for the girls in green, with an impressive personal tally of 4-3 all from play.

There was a variety of skills on display in Lee-side, as the hybrid sport prompted bits of eye-catching ingenuity. The Irish camógs were exposed to a different challenge in the form of the Scots’ fierce ball-striking, with the ball flying distances of over 70 yards off strokes straight off the ground.

No catching the ball, no kicking the ball, no hand-passing. Just striking straight off the stick. This is a version of the game surely approved by the traditionalists.

In the 14-aside contest, Carlow’s Nolan and Dublin’s Sinéad Wylde led the line for the hosts in the two-strong full-forward line.

And it was Nolan who caused headache after headache for the Scotland defence immediately from throw-in.

She stole in early on to find the net, lobbing the goalkeeper with a fourth-minute shot to nudge Ireland into an early lead.

However, the Irish rearguard didn’t have to wait long to learn the identity of Scotland’s primary threat. Megan Ralph of Badenoch first struck impressively off the ground to get the visitors’ opening point, before she then found herself one-on-one with Amy Lee in the Irish goal, and made no mistake with a low shot to the corner.

Ralph could have bagged another goal moments later, as her dangerous attempt from range had Lee scrambling before dancing wide

Ger Manley’s side eventually found their groove, however.

Nolan soon struck again for a second goal, before Wylde’s point attempt dropped short and into the net.

Nolan worked her way in for a third, capping a first-half tally of 3-2.

Laura Hayes then showcased some eye-catching scores, with a long-range point and a goal to boot, as Ireland took a deserved 5-4 to 1-2 lead into the break.

Scotland re-emerged rejuvenated, and looked the more threatening for much of the third quarter.

However, they were unable to convert their dominance on the scoreboard, and Naoise Hughes pointed for Ireland in the 46th minute for the opening score of the half.

Isobel Sheehan, Saoirse McCarthy, Anais Curran and Nolan all added second-half majors from there.

McCarthy’s goal came after a storming run down the left, and she rifled to the back of the net to score a goal in the fixture for a second year in succession.

Ultimately, Ireland proved too strong as they capped a comprehensive victory on Lee-side, and captain Ashling Thompson climbed the steps of the South Stand to collect the silverware.

Scorers for Ireland: Aimie Nolan (4-3), Laura Hayes (1-2), Anais Curran (1-1), Isobel Sheehan (1-1), Saoirse McCarthy (1-0), Sinéad Wylde (1-0), Ava Fitzgerald (0-1), Shannagh Hegarty (0-1), Naoise Hughes (0-1), Emma Murphy (0-1).

Scorers for Scotland: Megan Ralph (1-1), Iona McCulloch (0-1), Lorna McRae (0-1).

Ireland starting team: Amy Lee (Cork); Rebecca Kelly (Carlow), Aoife McDonald (Tyrone); Gráinne McDonald (Tyrone), Ashling Thompson (Cork), Dearbhla Magee (Down); Laura Hayes (Cork), Shannagh Hegarty (Antrim), Rachael Walsh (Waterford); Emma Murphy (Cork), Saoirse McCarthy (Cork), Naoise Hughes (Armagh); Sinéad Wylde (Dublin), Aimie Nolan (Carlow).

Rolling subs: Anais Curran (Wexford), Ava Fitzgerald (Cork), Maeve Clince (Meath), Isobel Sheehan (Cork), Sophie O’Callaghan (Limerick).

Scotland starting team: Elizabeth McGregor; Kira MacDonald, Laura McCafferty; Rachel McCafferty, Amy Disher, Roma Frazer; Caitlin MacLean, Mairi Stewart, Rona Stewart; Alaina MacLennon, Natalie MacDonald, Megan Ralph; Abby MacLean, Lorna MacRae.

Rolling subs: Eilidh Cameron, Iona McCulloch, Beth MacLennan, Maree MacKenzie, Rachael Borthwick.

Meet the Referees: County Football Finals, Sunday 25 October

Niall Hayes (Carbery Rangers) and David Murnane (Macroom) will referee Sunday’s McCarthy Insurance Group county football finals at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Niall takes charge of the Premier Junior final between Cobh and Canovee at 2pm, and David the Premier Senior final between Nemo Rangers and St Finbarr’s at 4pm.

Both bring experience of big days, and each will be supported by a full team of linesmen, umpires and a fourth official.

Premier Junior Football Final, 2pm: Niall Hayes (Carbery Rangers)

Cobh v Canovee

Niall Hayes started refereeing in 2021 and has taken charge of games across Carbery, Rebel Óg West and the County Board since then.

His highlights so far include this year’s Rebel Óg Premier 1 Minor Football final, the 2025 County Junior B final and several Rebel Óg West finals in recent years. He is quick to credit the officials alongside him: none of it, he says, would be possible without them.

Role Official
Referee Niall Hayes (Carbery Rangers)
Linesmen James Kingston and Liam O’Shea (both Carbery Rangers)
4th official Peter O’Leary (Castletownbere)
Umpires Finbarr Hayes, John O’Donoghue and Adrian Roycroft (all Carbery Rangers), Neilus Harold (Clyda Rovers)

Premier Senior Football Final, 4pm: David Murnane (Macroom)

Nemo Rangers v St Finbarr’s

David Murnane began refereeing in 2006, when his division needed more referees. Twenty years on, he has one of the strongest CVs in the county.

Sunday will be his third Premier Senior final, after 2018 and 2021. He has also refereed:

  • Premier Intermediate finals in 2014, 2017 and 2020
  • an All-Ireland U20 semi-final in 2021
  • the All-Ireland Junior final in 2023
  • a Tailteann Cup semi-final in 2025

David is grateful to everyone who has helped him over the years as an umpire, linesman and in other officiating roles. He calls refereeing a very fulfilling role where you meet great characters, and urges anyone interested to give it a go.

Role Official
Referee David Murnane (Macroom)
Linesmen John Ryan (Macroom), James Regan (Lough Rovers)
Sideline / 4th official Shane Scanlon (Newcestown)
Umpires Michael O’Brien (Macroom), Pat O’Leary (Kilmurry), Tim McCarthy (Clondrohid), Darren Feury (Cill na Martra)

Watch and attend

Both finals are live on Clubber TV. Premium Level opens at 12:30pm, and the South Stand Lower and North Stand open at 1:00pm. Tickets (Adult €25, Student / OAP €20, U16s free) are on sale at gaacork.ie/tickets and in select SuperValu and Centra stores.

Ireland v Scotland Camogie and Hurling/Shinty Internationals at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Ireland v Scotland Camogie and Hurling/Shinty Internationals at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts the Camogie and Hurling/Shinty Internationals between Ireland and Scotland on Saturday 24 October 2026. There are two matches in one afternoon and evening. Camogie throws in at 4:00pm, and hurling/shinty follows at 6:00pm.

Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at gaacork.ie/tickets.

Match times

Camogie, Ireland v Scotland

  • 3:55pm: Parade
  • 4:00pm: Throw-in
  • 4:38pm: Half time
  • 4:53pm: Second half
  • 5:30pm: Full time
  • 5:42pm: Presentations

Hurling/Shinty, Ireland v Scotland

  • 5:52pm: Parade
  • 6:00pm: Throw-in
  • 6:42pm: Half time
  • 6:57pm: Second half
  • 7:40pm: Full time
  • 7:45pm: Presentations

All times are approximate. We recommend taking your seat early to enjoy the parade and the build-up.

Getting to the stadium
Marquee Road is closed. The only access turn is at the top of Monahan Road / Centre Park Road. Please follow the directions of Gardaí and stewards.

  • On foot: about 25 minutes from Cork city centre, or via the Marina Greenway from Mahon.
  • Bus: Bus Éireann routes 202 and 212. Kent Station is about 35 minutes on foot.

Parking
There is no parking at the stadium. Parking is available in Mahon by Páirc Uí Rinn. Please park legally and respect our neighbours.

After the match
Traffic will be heavy, so please be patient. All cars leaving from Mahon will need to join the South Link, heading for the Kinsale Road. An Garda Síochána have advised that priority exiting will be given to traffic from Mahon and Ballintemple heading towards the South Link after the match.

On the day
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is an open-air stadium, so please dress for the weather. Follow signage and steward instructions at all times.

Kilshannig Produce Stunning Comeback to Claim Premier Junior Hurling Title

Kilshannig 1-23 St Catherine’s 2-19

Kilshannig produced a superb late comeback to defeat St Catherine’s by a point and claim the Co-Op SuperStores Premier Junior Hurling Championship title at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday night.

The Avondhu side, who won the County Junior A Hurling Championship last year, made it back-to-back county titles after overturning a seven-point half-time deficit and trailing by six with 15 minutes remaining.

St Catherine’s looked well placed to secure the silverware after a strong second quarter, but Kilshannig finished in outstanding fashion to complete a memorable victory.

It was an even opening, with Paddy Walsh finding his range early for Kilshannig as the sides traded scores. Kilshannig briefly moved ahead through points from Colin Ruby and Jack Twomey, but St Catherine’s responded through Gearóid O’Brien, Matthew Mulcahy and Daniel Mangan.

The Imokilly side gradually took control, with Kian O’Donoghue and Brian Mulcahy influential as they built a three-point advantage. Their lead increased significantly just before the break when a dropping effort from Matthew Mulcahy deceived Kilshannig goalkeeper David Kearney and ended in the net.

That left St Catherine’s seven points clear at half-time, leading by 1-12 to 0-8.

Kilshannig needed a strong response after the restart and began to find their rhythm through the efforts of Jack Twomey, Kieran Twomey and Colm O’Shea. A superb long-range point from O’Shea helped reduce the gap, but St Catherine’s continued to find scores and held a six-point advantage with 15 minutes remaining.

The introduction of Éanna O’Hanlon proved a key turning point as Kilshannig began to close in on their opponents. Points from O’Hanlon, Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Tom Cunningham cut the deficit, before the comeback gathered further momentum.

With five minutes remaining, O’Hanlon set up Diarmuid O’Sullivan for a crucial goal to bring the sides level. Colin Ruby then put Kilshannig ahead, only for substitute John Temple to equalise for St Catherine’s.

Kilshannig, however, seized control when it mattered most, hitting four points in succession to put themselves firmly in the driving seat and move towards the title.

St Catherine’s did find a late goal through Seán O’Donoghue to reduce the margin to a single point, but Kilshannig held on to secure a remarkable victory and celebrate a second consecutive county championship.

For St Catherine’s, it was another heartbreaking final defeat, having also lost the deciders in 2023 and 2024.

Scorers

Kilshannig: Kieran Twomey 0-7 (0-4 frees), Diarmuid O’Sullivan 1-2, Paddy Walsh 0-4 (0-1 free), Jack Twomey 0-3, Colin Ruby 0-3, Colm O’Shea 0-1, Éanna O’Hanlon 0-1, Tom Cunningham 0-1, Kian Smith 0-1.

St Catherine’s: Daniel Mangan 0-6 (0-5 frees), Matthew Mulcahy 1-1, Gearóid O’Brien 0-4, Seán O’Donoghue 1-0, Kian O’Donoghue 0-2, E. Davis 0-1 (free), C. Leamy 0-1, D. O’Connell 0-1, J. Neville 0-1, J. Temple 0-1, B. Mulcahy 0-1.

Referee: Niall Hayes (Blarney).