Inverness firefighter receives commemorative caman after being named man of the match in Camanachd Cup final which Kinlochshiel Shinty Club won for the first time
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CAMANACHD Cup final man of the match Conor Cormack was given one more award after helping Kinlochshiel win the trophy for the first time in their history.
The Inverness firefighter was presented with a commemorative caman made by Aird Artisans owner Roddie MacLennan for his role in the 3–1 win over Lovat.
MacLennan, who previously played for Beauly Shinty Club, made a promise to Kinlochshiel that if they beat Lovat, he would create a special caman to the player who the club named man of the match.
Half back Cormack, who also used to play for Beauly, but has been with Kinlochshiel for six years, won the final on the day of his 30th birthday last month.
He was presented with the caman this week and says it is a huge honour to receive what could be considered a belated birthday present.
“I actually messaged Roddie the day after the game if he would be able to make me a stick just to remember the day,” said Cormack.
“I had one made for my dad for his 50th birthday and I wanted one for myself.
“He told me that he had already committed to making one for the man of the match so a stick was on its way to me anyway.
“I am surprised and delighted to receive one and it is great it was made by Roddie who I have known for a long time.”
The caman is made from an oak tree which grew at Culloden battlefield.
MacLennan says he was pleased to present the caman to Cormack as he played with him in the past as well as with his father.
“Being a Beauly man, I was keen to see Lovat getting beat in the final,” he said tongue in cheek.
“I was in touch with a friend over in Dornie and I said if Kinlochshiel win, I will make a caman for the man who was nominated by the Kinlochshiel players as man of the match.
“Myself and Conor used to play together a long time ago and i’ve known his father for many years as well so it is a nice circle.”
Cormack also received the Albert Smith Medal for being named the man of the match in the Camanachd Cup final.
He said it was every shinty player’s dream to win the competition and is delighted it came true for him.
“We won the league in 2017 and that was nice,” said Cormack.
“But there is just something about the Camanachd Cup. That is the one everyone wants and you dream about playing in where you’re a kid.”
