McNeil wants strong backing from fans
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DREW McNeil has urged fans to descend upon Inverness in number next Saturday, believing the crowd can inspire the Scots to victory against Ireland.
Scotland’s elite shinty players lock sticks with the Irish hurlers in the first match of the annual international series — a game Scots manager McNeil reckons is now a must-win.
The Scots last savoured victory in the yearly hybrid rules clash back in Kilkenny in 2008 when they overcame the weather and the odds to win 13-12.
In the last two years, however, the Irish have edged series wins by the narrowest of margins, but McNeil is confident his new-look squad can end that run this year.
"These matches are a great spectacle, but they are also a vehicle to show people what a great sport shinty is," he said.
"The Irish are very proud about the game of hurling and believe it is the best and I am passionate about showing them how good our sport is.
"In order to do that, and for the health of the international series, I believe we need to win this year.
"Having a large crowd at these home games really lifts the players. I have seen it myself.
"Some of these guys may never get to play in Camanachd Cup finals because they maybe don’t all play for the so-called bigger clubs.
"For them, this is their cup final. It is the largest game and the largest crowd they will experience and when they see — and hear — it, they want to prove themselves.
"That’s why I reckon a big crowd could be a 14th man for us and I’d love to see the shinty fans turn out and really get behind them."
The first leg of the two-game series goes ahead at Bught Park, Inverness, at 1.15pm on Saturday 20th October with tickets priced at £10 per adult. Concessions pay only £5 while under-12s can watch all the action for free.
The second leg in Ennis, County Clare, takes place on Saturday 27th October 27th, coinciding with a cultural festival in the region.
Tickets for the home leg in Inverness are available online via Eden Court Theatre http://www.eden-court.co.uk/, or can be purchased at the gate on the day. Camanachd Association members get a 20 per cent discount with a membership card.
