Scotland v Ireland Shinty Hurling International

Are come to Bught Park, where Scotland are taking on Ireland.

Today, it's all about this trophy, the Marine Harvest. After years of

Scottish dominance, the Irish have held the upper hand in recent

encounters. It has been tied. This could be it! That is a penalty,

surely? Given the corner... Ireland have won. This is certainly

let's that fly! It hangs in the balance. That was a fantastic

strike. Oh! He has dropped it. The The first test of the Shinty

Hurling International series here in Inverness. Scotland want revenge

after three years of misery at the hands of the Irish. Hello and

welcome to Bught Park in Inverness for one of the most feisty

international sports you will ever see. Here to guide us through this

afternoon are two men who have graced the turf several times,

Fraser Ingles and Gary Innes. Gary, you have been involved in this

since 1999 and you have not missed one year, except for this year.

What has happened? It feels terrible to be this side of the

white lines but I have been under a session too much. Other commitments

have taken away a lot more. Unfortunately, I had to pull out

for months ago, which is very disappointing but it's good to be

here in some part. We have got the sticks in front of us, it is a

strange fixture, two different codes against each other. You have

the Irish hurling stick? Yes, billed for playing in the air. Very

flat on the side and the other, quite easy to stop the ball but

then that way. Not so good for hitting the ball off the ground.

Considerably shorter than the shinty stick. Shinty players will

have to watch for that nasty metal band. You don't have to cover that,

that can give you a nasty injury. Gary, you have got your traditional

weapon of choice. Made of wood. It is a lot Thacker, and longer. So,

shinty is played off the ground and you have this loft to lift the ball

up. Great stuff. Slightly complicated but do not worry, we

will take you through the rules and you will not miss a thing.

Basically, it is like this. 14 players on each side and each have

lasts 40 minutes. Catching and kicking can only be done by the

goalkeepers. In terms appoints... One point for hitting the ball over

the bar from normal play. Two points for hitting it over the bar

from a free hit and five points for putting the ball into the back of

the net. That is a slight change to the rules. Last year it was just

three points. And what difference will that make? I don't think it

will make much of a difference to the result. The organisers are

trying to get more goals because the crowd wants to see spectacular

goals so hopefully today the teams of thing, let's concentrate on

getting goals, they are more enjoyable for everyone. Good

forward play and chances taken and points over the bar is good but

goals are what we're after. this is the first leg of two legs

and the second will be played next week over in Ireland. This is how

it works, two points for winning, one point for the draw. Bonus

points for scoring two or more goals in either game and in the

event of equality of match points and bonus points, the team at the

highest combined score from both games will be deemed the winner.

How are the Scotland team feeling? I spoke to the captain, Norman

Campbell. After a few years of recent Irish dominance, how do you

turn the tide? We have to be a bit more focused on what we're doing in

the last 20 minutes. We are losing the Games them. It isn't through

fitness, perhaps mental fatigue. We need to hold the ball up in areas

and waste some time in these areas where they can get the ball and

they are knocking the points of a consistently in the last 20 minutes.

We had been missing the game of the last few years with that. We start

strong. I think we have got the players in place today to do that.

It's like rule change, goals will give you five points. Does that

change things for Scotland? I think so. Shinty is a game that you want

to score goals in. That gives us a slight advantage. We have discussed

that and that is part of the tactics. If it does not go away and

the boys are not confident, we will drop the short play and go for the

five points. Best of luck. Cheers. The teams are about to make the way

onto the pitch with the Inverness pipe band leading the way very

shortly. Things about to get underway. It is a great atmosphere.

Every year. The teams are just coming out. In terms of Scotland,

who will be the key players? Kevin Bartlett is superb. He made his

debut last year and ended up in the points, the top scorer for Scotland.

They will want him to emerge again today. Scotland have experience and

they need this new talisman. Hopefully Kevin can perform that

role. A and the Irish, how much do we know about them? The really big

star is Tommy Walsh. Nine consecutive All Star titles, nobody

has ever done that before. Babel want him to lead by example but

they also have Shane Dooley. They also have men from a minor clubs

and they will want to come and make a name for themselves. Things are

about to get started. Let's get on with the action. Gary Innes has

left us to go to the commentary box and he joins up with Hugh Dan

Always a great sense of occasion as the Irish arrive. And a great sense

of anticipation. Admiration for the skills they bring but for the Scots,

there is apprehension for what is to come. The President of the

Camanachd Association, Archie Robertson, Allan Sutherland from

Marine Harvest, and Marty McEnvoy. And Jock Turner, the man from Kyles

Athletic. Welcoming the teams. That pipe band warming up the

proceedings. It is damp underfoot and try overhead, thankfully.

Torrential rain in Inverness yesterday and overnight. It shall

make the conditions difficult. Gary Innes has galloped across the field.

We shall have a word. We can just see what implication that will have.

The teams lining up. For the national anthems. It is always a

great part of the occasion. As you watch the main field. Both teams

lined up in the middle. Ready to take their tune. This is liable to

be a fiercely contested match. The Scottish anthem will be sung by UN

Dougal Robertson. He will give us Flower of Scotland. If you could

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 72 seconds

all be up standing for the national now, Iwan Roberts in will take us

O Flower of Scotland. When will we see your like again? That fought

and died for your wee bit hill and glen. And stood against him, Proud

Edward's army. # And sent him homeward to think again. Those days

are past now And in the past they must remain But we can still rise

And stood against him, proud Edward's army. And send them home

word. To think again. Come on, team, today, three men strong at

the back, Norman Campbell, Donald Irvine from Kyles Athletic. The

busy midfield will be tested. Up front, Jon Stewart would be

expected to bulge of the net. With Kevin Bartlett. Where will the

goals come from? You talked about Jon Stewart, he is a massive threat.

And Kevin Bartlett. Heath McRae, we shall see goals aplenty. And the

Irish team, well, there are big names. Top class. Tommy Walsh at

the back. -- Shane Dooley and Patrick Horgan will provide the

defenders with the ultimate test. Shane Dooley has scored seven of

the last 10 goals from Ireland. He shall be a very big day part.

substitutes, just four of them on the bench for Ireland. In Scotland,

they include Niall MacPhee. Rolling substitutes. Coming I'm going for

all of the 80 minutes. Both managers will make full use of all

their players. They will have to. Tough conditions. And tough for the

referee. Billy Wotherspoon. He is taking charge of an international

for the first time. He will have one heck of an afternoon keeping up

with this lot. BT minutes of mayhem. Scotland are shooting towards

Inverness, towards the town, for those of you who know that.

Conditions underfoot? Very slippery. We have had a lot of rain in the

north and especially in Inverness. I think we shall see it showing up.

And some of the boys slipping. will keep you posted. On all of the

rules and the changes. And the difference from this year and last

year. The big difference being five points for any goal. The difference

the ball is thrown up words between both players in the centre. For the

hybrid, Compromise Rules, the ball is thrown in, more like the

beginning of a hockey match. Scotland in their traditional blue

colours. Getting from left to right. Ireland, in their traditional green,

lining up with two in the middle. Billy Wotherspoon is the man with

Piccadilly Circus in the middle of the field. An Irishman coming out

at the last minute. Joseph Clarke is the missing one from the

triumvirate in the middle. He came on. And from now, anything could

happen. It is Scotland to move the ball forward. The Irish taking some

time to adjust. John Stuart, the late addition to the Scottish squad,

hugely experienced. Whether he will be able to use his pace on this

sticky surface, we will have to shinty hurling is that the ball is

in the air for more of the time. That is a good long ball. This is a

test of the Scottish defenders. Facing an aerial bombardment. There

was the clash of the ash. Unfortunately for Stephen MacDonald,

he has come across the player, and that is a clear for all. This gives

the Irish the chance for two points. If he hits it into the back of the

neck, then it is five points. But, this is a good opportunity for

Ireland to get on the scoresheet. If he rolls and jabs it, Stephen

McDonald is ready for the charge, that is a role on the jab, and that

is one point, a single point to violence. This is a difficult to

run Scotland, if they give early fouls in this area, they will kill

it. Some inexperience showing there. He will have been warning his

players not to give away fouls in crucial positions like that. But I

am sure that he will find his feet and rectify that. Or almost

immediately, a pat the other end, Scotland have a chance. -- up at

good. The perfect response from Scotland. Stephen Bartlett from

Caberfeidh got 10 points last year. That is two points for Scotland,

straight over the bar. Outstanding response for Scotland. Because that

was hit from a dead-ball, he gets two points for pitting that over

the bar. But because the Irish rolled and jab, it was one point.

This is the difficulty for Scotland, and that is a goal. The goal, for

Patrick Horgan. The challenge for Scotland is when the Irish get the

ball up on the stick, when you are choosing them, it is almost

impossible. All were the top, that was a beautiful flick, and he just

gets it on the end of the stick, like a big frying-pan, and he just

pats that in. Look at how he put the ball up, and at pace, and

because the defender was behind him, he had no option. The first goal,

passes the Scottish players by, because the Irish hit the ball so

long, and so hard. There is very little wind to worry about. Norman

Campbell has been pushed forward by the Scots, you would not expect to

see him in the back three. Billy Wotherspoon is going to have worked

with John Stewart. There will be no prisoners taken. I absolutely,

bought side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Billy Wotherspoon is

having a work. -- word. Good refereeing in the early stages,

because it takes a while for the players to adjust to the pace and

intensity of the match. Each half, five minutes longer for the Irish,

and five minutes shorter for the scores. -- Scots. This is

unfortunately a dangerous area, even though it is far out. They

will hit that ball up to 90 yards. It will be interesting to see it

appears when to strike the ball from that position. It looks as if

he's eyeing up for a goal, so it'll be interesting to see if he goes

for the short. He gave it everything he had. And that was

passes together. That was crucial o'clock and 2 o'clock. The club

must not come further down than 2 o'clock or further back than 10

o'clock. The shinty players are pulling the stick back more and

trying to intimidate the howling midfield, trying to soak up the

pressure. -- moving in pairs. That is a good point, Patrick Horgan

again, from open play. He has done that week in, week out, for years,

and nice, easy flick over the bar for a 0.4 Ireland. He just -- a

point for Ireland. That was a great effort by John Stewart, and a great

save by Bernard Rochford in the Irish goal. You gotta stick on it.

There are no core Mars, of course. -- he got a stick on it. And there

relentless. Moving it up the wings, but again, there is a spare

Irishman there. This is Norman Campbell all the way from that

field, he has given that everything. You see the goalkeeper, Bernard

Rochford, catching that quite comfortably. Norman has been pushed

up for his large hitting, to try to put it over the bar from 65 yards.

The Scots have half a chance, Bernard Rochford is on the ground,

and a good saved. Keith Mack Gray from Kinlochshiel, almost turning

it in. -- Keith McRae. He cannot do much more than that. That was a

great save. As I was explaining before, there is no corner. Two

Irishman on the line covering their goalkeeper. I think he's going to

have a go at goal, here. Just over the bar, beautiful golf swing, but

he is just wide. That would have looked good on the Newtonmore golf

course! It was just wide of the open spaces of the Bught Park. That

was clever, that change of direction from Bartlett, dropping

it in front of Stuart. Plenty of Scots here, and that is a chance,

but again, it is white. -- wide. Plenty of possession for Scotland,

which is encouraging. This is the difference just now, the Irish have

not missed any chances, and Scotland have missed a couple so

they start -- have to start topping up the scoreboard, before the Irish

start doing the same at the other end. There is John Stewart, but

to play off the ground again. The ground howling is an increasingly

used feature of the Irish team. -- ground hurling. The Scots, not

happy with that decision. I think that he actually kicked it if we

have a look. It was just his for it. In the Irish game, it is perfectly

acceptable to kick the ball and dragged along. This is another

chance for the Irish. It is Patrick Horgan from Cork. He will either

dropping short, or dropping over the bar. He has rolled and jabbed

it. And the flag is up. That is a single point. Patrick Horgan is

becoming a thorn in the site for Scotland. -- in the side.

cannot give the Irish position there, because that is a guarantee

point. Scotland need to get themselves sorted out. John Stewart

is experienced up front, at keeping the ball low, and this is where

Scotland have their biggest opportunity. We are directly in

line with that and we can see it dropping over the bar from the dead

ball. They have said that that was wide, and that thing I would like

to have a look at that again. Let us have a look at that again. That

looked to me, let us have a look again, and that is clearly between

the posts. We were in the perfect position format, so that is an

injustice for Scotland. Who do we speak to? We need to get this

sorted quickly! Big Norman is not the sort of guy that you would like

to rob or two.S. -- of two points. Here is Kevin Bartlett from the

cameras. Well, this could be an important talking point at the end

of the game. Definitely. Two. Going missing for Scotland. The rest of

the team have not seen that. They are just focused on the game. The

game goes on. Occasionally, the referee will allow that if it is

accidental. Kevin Bartlett terms that in. Acres of space. Bringing

the goalkeeper into play. They did not get that away. The Scots are

getting into the front part of the field with plenty of possession but

they need to be more correct on the goal, I would say. The Irish get

that away. But... Shane Dooley. There are positions in hurling but

then you have the top class players, Shane Dooley, for example, he can

play anywhere. Everywhere. As I say, there are no key positions. They

have areas and they seemed to wander off and make themselves

available for their team-mates. Scots dropping the short ball,

obviously the tactic to drop the short ball in front of the keeper

and make him play. Three Scots Irish. Just a little bit wild about

the swing. Brendan Murtagh. One of the more experienced players. He

knows what it is about. One handed. I'm not sure if there was anything

wrong with that. It was possibly from the hand at the back. This

gives Neil MacDonald an opportunity. Two. To Scotland. Eight points for

Ireland. The referee, Billy Wotherspoon, asking the Irish who

charged at the Scottish free kick. You have to be 20 yards away when

taking a free hit. It takes a brave man. Yes. Especially with shinty,

the ball will be coming up law. In hurling, they flick it upwards.

Much more chance of a hurley player managing to stop the ball. McDonald

will send this to the other end of the field. Again, dropping at short

into the danger area. It takes a brave man to go up for that ball.

Interested me, in the Irish game, when they're playing, they will put

their stake up to bring the ball down. In the last couple of years

and hurling, you can see, they all wear helmets and face cards. That

is compulsory, now. Yet there are two players out there... In action

again. And he has done it again. Patrick Horgan's pace, that is the

key thing. He has got the second goal for Ireland. Beautiful. It

dropped, there. But let Macintosh with no chance. -- it left

Macintosh. He had the presence of mind to change his mind and because

he was so fast, he just managed to readjust. That gives Ireland the

bonus in terms of the series because they have a second goal.

That takes him into a pretty comfortable lead. Norman Campbell.

He will need something of the inspiration. Because the Irish have

not even brought Tommy Walsh into the game, much. Why do they have to

win they have someone like Patrick Horgan rattling the scoreboard. No.

18, that is our man. Mr Walsh. Stephen McDonald has pumped it up.

Dealt with beautifully down the wing. Good passing. From the Irish.

And good defence from the Scots. Campbell moving back. His team-mate,

Steven MacDonald. And again, it is wide. You really have to be on

target, you cannot squander any chances. The Scots making an early

change. You cannot squander any chance but Scotland seemed to be

hitting the ball using John Stewart as the danger man. Rather than

using the wings and keeping the ball low. He has taken a knock on

the hand. He has gone off. Donald Irvine coming off. Mark MacDonald

coming on. I think it is an injury. No. 8, Niall MacPhee. These are

tactical adjustments. Ireland also making a change for an injury.

Steven Clynch, I think it is. He is coming on. Norman Campbell,

meanwhile, is trying to get on with things. The referee blows.

Substitute. Barry McFall coming off. The Antrim man. I think that is an

injury. Steven Clynch is coming on. Donald Irvine looks like he has

taken a knock. Steven Clynch has come on for the Irish. There is

absolute mayhem. Norman Campbell isn't having a good day. He just

lost the 10 metres that he's the Irish. A leading to players up

front. -- leaving two players. John Barr. He did not catch that as well

as he would have liked, giving Ireland and opportunity. Plenty for

Drew McNeil to ponder. He knows that he has got... There is no-one

real place that they are breaking down, they are strong, all 14, the

Irish. Very difficult for any manager to pick some key location

to break down. Anyone there's Ben has given a file. -- Billy

Wotherspoon. Neil McManus, from Cushendall. You would be looking

for Kevin Bartlett to have a shot at goal? No, far too many people in

his way. Get this over and give Scotland two.. He duly delivers.

That was a good strike. Two points for Scotland. Kevin Bartlett. And

that was a good strike. Nice and clean and very steady. Straight

down the line. Perfect. Scotland 4 points, Ireland, 13. That was

careless. You don't want to do that just as his score. He should know

better than that, he is a very experienced international. That

gives Ireland another opportunity. Guess who? That man, Patrick Horgan.

He can roll the ball onto his stake and wanted over. Coming as a lines

man to give this one a mess? -- can we ask the lines man. That gives

him the chance to try again. Stephen McDonald is trying to put

Patrick Horgan off as much as you can and he actually did miss that.

But because he went early, the referee has pulled it back. He gets

another chance. Meanwhile, Stephen McDonald is going to charge from 20

yards. Trying to put him off. And it worked! Well done, Steven

MacDonald! After all that. That just shows you, it is all about

using the rules, they are there to we used. That was pretty close as

well! Giving a chance to Scotland, this time. Becoming just a little

bit broken. We need the net bulging once again. Where is it going to

come from? The wonderful thing for Scotland is they have for brilliant

forwards. They don't seem to have had the opportunity get. -- it yet.

Two points. That was a beautiful strike. That was like Rory McIlroy!

That was a beautiful strike. That is better. Another two points for

Scotland. The scoreboard is ticking over, which is a good thing. It

would take over faster if they could get five points. Finlay

MacRae, looking for Keith MacRae. Down again. Just a little bit too

clever, I fear. It has worked, across into the middle. That was a

good ball. And that quick whip gets it away. And it looks as if Walsh

has taken a bad one. Tommy Walsh has taken a knock on his legs. At

the other end, the play rages on. Patrick Horgan takes off. From open

play... Sending it over the bar for one point. From open play.

cannot give the Irish any chance. Here we have the All Star, Tommy

Walsh, limping. I am not exactly sure what has happened but perhaps

we can come back to that. This is a man who broke Gary Innes's knows, I

detect some sympathy for his injury?! I am sure he did not mean

that. Tommy Walsh, from a standing start. Straight in the front door,

Norman Campbell. Over the half-back line, that is always the key. Loads

of skill. Deft touch. And the Irish have conceded the front third. They

Campbell, given the chance to get his first points. Well, Norman

Campbell has given Steven MacDonald short shrift. If this goes over the

bar and they do not give it, I will be out of this box, giving words!

David Smart coming on for Scotland. Keith MacRae coming off. Norman

Campbell is having to wait. Which is a good thing. The Irish have

also changed. No. 7 is coming on. Shane Fennell. And Darragh

O'Connell has come off. Norman Campbell has launched one. No doubt.

He is wide. Again, has he fallen between two schools? Would she have

been better dropping that in front of the keeper? He has done this

many times before. He has to go for the goal. Scotland need to keep the

scoreboard going. Especially because of the distance. The Irish

can pick the ball out of the air so easily. Here we have another

opportunity. S Steven MacDonald puts this one over, well, I think...

With his range, it will not be an issue. He will fancy that. That is

the halfway line. Just outside the tunnel. He did not catch that one.

That has dropped to Tommy Walsh. There is more than capable. Stephen

McDonald, shortly -- slightly unorthodox shot on that one! Look

at few Irishmen are up and thus have? -- out how few Irishmen are

up in this half. The Gary Innes Another opportunity. This loose

swing by Norman Campbell has cost them dearly, I suspect. Both have

gone for the ball. It isn't Norman Campbell he is the issue. It is the

other a Scotland player. Easy, easy Inverness, after an appalling week

of rain and desperate weather. You would not have put much money on it

being a pleasant afternoon, but it is gorgeous. Half-an-hour of the

match gone. Another chance for Stephen MacDonald who is having

something of a personal duel at the moment. Again, this is becoming

wasteful. That is exactly what is happening just now. That is

something Scotland need to start looking at. Scotland have made

another substitution as well, but it is becoming something of a waste,

so they need to address that. is Neil McDonald going off. And

substitution in midfield again. Drew McNeill looking for something

different to test the Irish. It is by no means a lost cause, nowhere

near it, but, again, you have to be disciplined and the tackle. Both

sets of players know how to handle themselves. It might look like they

are swinging at each other, but they know exactly what they are

balls and the tills. -- in midfield. Again, Stephen MacDonald penalised.

He claims that he is going for the ball. The first one was John Barr.

The end, here we go, we see Stephen MacDonald coming in. There was

nothing wrong with that, in a shinty hurling, that is completely

acceptable. We have a free for the Irish. It is the interpretation of

whether or you can reach the ball, you have to be within reach to make

a legitimate swing. That is the deal. We haven't I the substitution,

number 19. -- we have an Irish substitution. Good to see a big

crowd at the Bught Park here. to come on. Brendan Murtagh is one

points before half-time - that would be very helpful. Mackintosh

can only look, because that goes completely over the bar again.

Irish seem to just keep picking away at the points in these games,

over the years. Scotland need a goal to get themselves back into

this game. It would certainly give Norman Campbell in midfield is

working, because the game is passing him by at the moment.

midfield often gets passed by because of the huge hits out of

defence, and Norman has picked up clear of the year again as a

defender, so Drew McNeil will possibly have to start looking at

that. His hitting is not being used. That struck the Irishman Darragh

O'Connell Right Hon the Helmut. If he had not been wearing it, it

would have laid him out flat. -- was absolutely effortless by Reidy.

So Scotland have to try and close down, even from the fall was. --

away from us for what thought, and that is a big injury for the Scots.

Daniel Cameron is down. His helmet has taken a whack. It was just as

he went down. It was not the original collision. He's feeling

his groin, the way he fell. It's possible his studs caught. I think

maybe that the studs caught, and he has caught that up the inside of

his leg. He might be speaking in a higher voice for the rest of the

Campbell. Interestingly, Norman did not look like he was trying to hit

it over the bar, but to put it wide for John Stewart, but there was

just a little bit too much pace. Remember, it is 40 minutes each way,

in this compromised Rules match. The Irish have dominated in terms

of the scoring. From open play, that is wide again, but that is the

best shinty move that Scotland are put together. It is the first tour

three balls that have been played on the ground. Unfortunately, he

has just put that wide, but, if Scotland can keep the ball and

moving down the wing they can be effective. Maybe this Office is

trying out, and that will suit their hand up to keep the Sun out

of their eyes. So the sunlight is becoming an issue as well. There is

an opportunity from the touchline. Stephen Macdonald of Newtonmore is

coming over. He fancies a pop from the site. For Norman Campbell it is

not quite at the level it could be. He has disappeared over to the

left-hand side. He will take a nosebleed if he goes much further

forward! A smite thee a tactic if Stephen was to drop a short, but he

knows what he is going to do. the final minute of the first half,

he has kept it in play, cuts it across, and John Stuart just about

got there. For Scotland now, there was a chance. That is while they,

they are looking for a goal before half-time. -- that is why they. One

minute of injury time, we understand. As long as the ball

remains in play, Scotland have a chance. The Irish, cleverly keeping

it for themselves. We now have shadows on the pitch, as the Sun

comes out. Absolutely beautiful. And Billy Wotherspoon brings a

dramatic a staff to an end. That was a very tidy Irish performance

which has seen them score two five pointers. And Patrick Horgan of

Cork has kept the scoring going. He has got everything, popping them

over, with almost nonchalant ease. this first half, to say the least.

I am joined by the former Scotland international Fraser Inglis.

Ireland dominated. Two bookable goals. Ireland have been solid, not

giving anything away at the back. Scotland have competed well but

need some composure in front of goal to get the scores back again.

I am joined by the Irish joint- manager Michael Walsh. You must be

delighted with that first half. They have performed very well in

the first half. Scotland have missed quite a few chances. Patrick

Horgan having a tremendous game. is very sharp, he has come off with

an injury, but hopefully, he will be low-key. But that is down to the

hard work of the rest of the players out on the field. If we can

keep the same momentum and the same spirit going, we will be very happy.

Well done, so far, thank you for joining us. Patrick Horgan the

dominant player in that first half. You must have been impressed by him.

Very classy, the way that he took the goals. Look at the composure to

put the ball up in the air and then knocking over Stuart McIntosh. An

extremely well taken goal. With the five points, he went for the goal

and he got the goal, that was a great start for Ireland, then he

broke away, he went to volley it, he checked and readjusted himself

and put it into the net. It was just too far out for Stuart

McIntosh to get at it. scoreline looks ominous for

Scotland, but, the way that the goals are now, five points for the

goal, so Scotland are suddenly right back in it and it is game on.

And it could have been better for Scotland in that first half. There

was some controversy. Norman Campbell took one that was

definitely over the posts. It is difficult for the linesman to look

up at the right time and get it, but that was a legitimate for two

points for Scotland. Ireland had won that they did not get, so maybe

it evens itself out. I think Scotland are shooting from to find

out. They should play the ball in and might get a goal, at least put

the Irish defence under pressure but when you are hitting it from

that far out and putting it wide, you're not asking any questions of

the Irish defence. But these will be against Scotland now has they

will have to play the ball short, and get it to the forwards. We can

take a break from the International at the moment, and think about the

Camanachd Cup final from last month. Kyles Athletic took on Inveraray.

Some great Cup finals in that competition in recent years, but it

was fair to say that this topped Inveraray! The Kenley! The danger

area. Right in front of the goal. McDonald causing trouble. Roddy

Macdonald has done it! At the Roddy McDonald is the way. All the

way! Roddy McDonald from Kyles Athletic has turned the tables on

Inveraray with that magnificent and has struck back! With that

sublime finish, again. Giving Kelly Macdonald no chance. Four goals in

20 minutes in the Camanachd Cup Final. Inveraray again! Oh! That is

the third goal for Inveraray. This time, Chris Crawford. Karin

McPherson, plenty of time. On the chase. Killed in an instant. He

finds David McPherson. Another goal for Inveraray! It is that man,

McKinley. Kyles Athletic. Out comes MacPherson. The flag is up. The

goal judge has got his flag up. He fearsome on his good side. Goal!

Oh! Derek Ferguson! What a great strike! -- Gary McPherson! My

goodness! Macdonald! Anything he can do, Fraser MacDonald can more

than match. 5 - 4! Here it comes again. Fraser MacDonald, he will be

happy. Macdonald! Oh! Unbelievable! The 10th goal of an unbelievable

Camanachd Cup Final. And a hat- Macdonald! And a goal for Kyles

Athletic. His 4th goal. This is What a game that was. Hugh Dan

MacLennan had to sit in a darkened room for a week afterwards. An

incredible Cup Final? There have been very exciting finals over the

past couple of years and that had the most number of goals. The

defending was not the best but that made for a very exciting final. No

matter what the score is, Kyles Athletic can come back and when.

Body McDonald, it is goals that Scotland needed in this second half.

Why is he not involved? He could not attend any of the training

sessions and to refer to the management team, you have to go for

the boys that are committed to the training sessions and he could not

make it. These guys are amateur, they are playing for their pleasure

and they have also got full-time jobs. It is a big commitment.

have the commitment to their club and they are being asked to do more

for International. I mentioned Kevin Bartlett at the start and he

showed up quite well, particularly against Tommy Walsh. But it is

always teamwork. Today they have to use teamwork to break through this

Irish defence and if they can do that, another goal, there is a long

way to go. It's about to get started for the second half. Gary

Hugh Dan McLelland. Ireland now what the sun on their backs,

playing from left to right. Mayhem ensues in the middle of the park.

It is now at all about Scotland digging deep and trying to find

some way to abolish the Irish net. Able get five points for a goal, an

increase on it harder from last year. Looking at the back of

Scotland, Norman Campbell has been drafted back into defence. Jon

Stewart up front. Kevin Bartlett, another key player. Jon Stewart is

amazing if you get the ball to his feet. He has not had the service so

far today. Campbell. His more favoured role. This is where he has

produced his Man of the Match performances before. He seemed just

a little bit lost. There are a couple of changes in the Irish team.

This will be quite difficult for the Scotland defenders. The sun is

very strong in their eyes. The Irish are playing with the high

balls. We might see some mistakes being made by the Scotland defence.

Number 10, Tommy Walsh, has come back on, the legend that he is.

Just below us in the commentary position. Number 10, Neil McManus,

from Cushendall. Norman Campbell deals with that. Ably assisted by

his team-mate, McDonald. The danger man, Patrick Horgan. This is more

like what we expect Norman Campbell to deliver. Looking for Jon Stewart.

That little push on the back give Scotland the free kick. He should

know what it is about. You cannot put your hand on the back. Kevin

Bartlett should step up and put Scotland into position with the

first points in the second half. is hitting directly into the sun,

which does not help. Or the referee, watching where the ball will go.

And again, that is wide. From there, Gary... He will be very

disappointed with that. Scotland need to be putting points in from

that area. He knows that there is nothing worse than that. You can

expect it yourself, easy to put over the bar but it does not happen.

We will see him again on the scoresheet again. This is a huge

problem for Scott and, as soon as the Irish launch the ball, the

Scottish players put their hands to their eyes. They cannot see the

ball. Mackintosh has put on his cap. That is how much of a glorious

afternoon it is. We cannot excuse the two points that Norman Campbell

lost. But that will be a talking point as the match goes on. That

would have taken them two. Closer. Steven MacDonald, made field.

Certainly capable. That has gone to the left of the post. And that has

gone wide again. Jon Stewart went up there. He amazingly lost his

front for teeth last weekend. It is great to see him there today.

cannot justly that hanging. How did he do that? Chilling too many

sweets! It was a friendly first and Shane Dooley. I think he might have

used the other end of the stick. He put his hand halfway down. The if

he had got a little bit of a connection on that, just at the

last minute. Mackintosh was in no man's land. At the other end, there

area. Scholl went mad raking at again it has gone white. And

quickly, McIntosh gets the ball out. Scotland trying to raise the pace

away. That was a good chance into the middle. Oh! You would have put

your mortgage on Shane Dooley, the man who has obliterated Scotland in

recent years, on getting that. It just went wide, unfortunately. That

was a good chance. Very good chance. Thank goodness for the Scotland

team, he was on target this time. That is right over. And that has

gone wide. That must have been all of 19 imagers. -- metres. There is

a huge crowd. It is a glorious afternoon at Bught Park. That was a

huge shot, keeping the pressure on the Scottish defence. He just came

round the back of his team-mate. Scotland keeping the ball in play

more this second half, stringing the passes together. Kevin Bartlett

away across to the far side. Tommy Walsh having a difference of

opinion. That little kick from Tommy Walsh. Limping slightly.

Shaun Nicolson, we have not seen much of him. We should see him

going wide and been more involved in the game. I am not so sure how

long Tommy Walsh is going to survive because he is limping

heavily. Two changes, 11 and 13 for Scotland. Louis Munro. And Keith

MacRae. David Smart coming back off. Norman Campbell being sent back

from whence he came. Not having the best of afternoons. The game has

just passed him by. The Scotland captain, as well. He could be one

to get involved as much as he can. The son is a problem, as we can see.

To the left. Looking for Kevin space. It returns to the midfield.

The Scots just about manage to keep it in play. Good chance here for

Scotland, and just wide. A different approach from the Scots,

much more of a passing game. That was a brilliant ball in from John

Nicholson, he turned, and that was just wide. Great effort from Keith

McRae. Another six inches and you would be looking at a different

result. The Irish keeper was forced into diving, but now, at the other

end, the Irish have headed wide. That is increasingly difficult for

people to pick the ball out of the action, with the autumn sunshine.

Just as the Sun goes down, for those of you who know Inverness, at

the Ice Rink end of the field. Scotland making another change. No.

14 coming on, that is the Callum McIntosh out of the game, but John

Bach covers his team-mate. -- John Barr. Billy Wotherspoon has given a

foul to Scotland. The hand and a back, again. This is very close.

Today Norman Campbell back to the position we think he should be.

would expect and hope that Bartlett could get something out of this.

Looking for five points is ambitious, he will have to take the

two points, or roll it in, he will have his orders. That is more like

Scotland back on the scoreboard. Beautiful strike. We have a perfect

view, from behind. The Sun has gone down behind the hills now, that

for the Irish launches 1 at Macintosh. And you can see that

dripping pass. That is unusual for the Irish because they usually have

a metronomic rhythm from that sort of distance. You could see, he went

further two points. -- for the two Walsh. Kevin's stick is in Tommy

Walsh's chest at this point. He is looking to the referee for some

support and the referee is having none of it. And a little bit of

From Walsh. Toward Stephen MacDonald. And Tommy Walsh is

taking no nonsense. The referee saw it, he was looking straight at it.

You can see exactly what happened going well for his first

Norman Campbell keeping it in play, and Stephen MacDonald sense it up

the left, looking for John Stewart, Again, Ireland have enough men back

to get the ball away. Scots playing in twos. Picking up more of the

Giving Scotland the chance to launch another attack. It is a two

points, they have got to keep it in it very difficult for the Scottish

defenders. The chase is on. Clever tactic by the Irish, one player

flicking it up for the other to the face of the goal, Patrick Maia,

Tipperary man. -- Maher. Poetry in motion, the Irish, when they are at

full flight. There is nothing like it, an Irishman at full tilt with

men, John Stewart with a chance, he flicks it through, chance for

Scotland, it was a chance for Scotland, but the goalkeeper

Bernard Rochford did well. And Stuart Pettit white again. Two

chances in succession to John Stewart. Sean Nicholson could not

believe the time that he had. Another great bowl in. He has

missed that, cuts back across, and John Stewart bangs it just wide.

That is one of the only chances we have seen Scotland have in front of

goal, this whole match. Barrie McCall has come on to her island. -

- on for Ireland. Darragh O'Connell chance. -- foul. Scotland seeking a

quickly, moving the ball, passing it up the wing to next day, that

turns and fires it, but he is wide again -- McPhee. How many more

chances are Scotland going to squander? That was, at best,

heading for one., so that is another wasted opportunity. It goes

down as another chance. Ciaran worst places to give away a free it

to an Irishman. Very dangerous, 25- 30 yards out. The Irishman Cripps

himself up, he kicks himself on the back of the leg. -- trips himself.

The Irish have not scored and the second half, but Patrick Horgan is

about to change that. He flicks that up, and it is just over the

bar, single point to Patrick Gordon. -- Patrick Horgan. Horgan has

Scotland, dear me, that was Sean Nicholson, John Stewart created it,

and Shaun Mickelson missed it. -- Nicholson. That was down as a save.

He did well. That goes down as a good save rather than a miss.

Stephen McDonald a with a chance, the corner taken from 65 metres.

Eases it in and, again, it is wide from Scotland. Scotland have had

their chances. They certainly have. Each year, this happens. It is a

difficult thing under pressure to get it consistently over from that

distance when we are not used to that as part of the game. I have to

say, I thought I Niall MacPhee's swing was under way, and I do not

think that he could have pulled out of it. It is a swing the Irish

player is not used to. He would not be used to the stick coming at him

at that angle. I do not think in any shape off-form there was any

malice or intent, because the swing from Niall MacPhee was well under

way before the Irishman appeared. And unfortunately for Rhyl he

caught cull Square on the ankle. -- unfortunately for him he caught him

on the ankle. They are not used to defending themselves. In shinty you

would have gone with a block between you and they swing. It is

the thick this and soullessness of the Camanachd as well. As long as

Billy Wotherspoon is giving it as a was giving that up to Ireland, but

he has yet to score one. Barry McFall is fine. Just a little bit

sore around the ankles. Paddy Reidy coming back on. Norman Campbell

just having a look and see, they are carrying on at the moment.

was a good save. From Keith MacRae. That was a good effort. Scotland

have it. Gets it across again. The keeper catches it. Sends it long

and hard. That was good. That is twice that he has saved the Irish

in the last few minutes. Not over yet. Finlay MacRae. Here he goes.

Into the heart of the Irish defence. And they get it away. Niall MacPhee.

With that long, high ball. That will count. And a point. This is

how the keeper kept them in it. He has had a good couple of minutes.

Good pace. Pushes it wide. Maybe Niall MacPhee isn't the man you

would want at the end of that but he has done the business.

cannot say anything better than that. The Big Man takes it in his

stride and puts it straight over the bar. 9 - 17. Further

substitutions below us. Paudie Reidy is now on, number 19.

Scotland have been outscoring Ireland in the second half, not by

much. They have added three points to their total. It is a bit of a

moral victory at this stage. 9 - 17, and a goal would bring them much

closer at five points. But the Irish have a chance, here. Patrick

Horgan. He has done just about everything for the Irish. Off it

goes and that was a beautiful strike again. Another one. He picks

it up, looks at the spot. Kate said quite low. But beautifully struck.

-- keeps it quite low. Nine - 18. The Irish raiding, comfortably. As

things stand, enough to pick up the Queen's harvest -- Marine Harvest

Cup. 15 minutes left. Or thereabouts. Still plenty of time.

But the last 20 minutes have always been a problem for the Scots.

Mackintosh brings it down. Mrs that completely. -- misses that. The

Scots really have to chase the game but all the Irish after do is sit

on what they have got. They seemed quite comfortable doing that, even

with five or 10 minutes left of the first half. They left the top third

of the field. They know they have the bonus point and they have got

two goals. But a goal for Scotland could change that. That was well

kept out. That was a brave tackle from the Scots. And a shot from the

Scots. It is in the danger area. Panic stations. There is an Irish

man down. Jon Stewart, he has gone down. What on earth is he doing? He

has left a huge gap in defence. Steven MacDonald has given a fould

a way, I suspect. For that wild swing. Jon Stewart is still down.

Frustration for Steven MacDonald. Yes, he has come down in this game,

and I don't know whether Liner's. The Irish have been doing that on

afternoon. It has not been an issue. Patrick Horgan, they do not want an

Irish point. They have the defection. McIntosh had to be

careful. The defenders got their stick on to that. That worked. It

stopped them scoring. Gets it back in. The Irish stepping up again.

Perhaps sensing that the Scots from the back foot. Here he goes again

and he was wide this time. That was a good save. Two good goalkeepers.

At both ends we have seen good goalkeeping. We have seen that

deflection, straight into the hand. It does not take much to make the

ball fly just that little bit differently. We are using the Irish

sliothar, as it is called. Used for compromise rules. That is what it

is all about. That has to be the Scotland ball, I would think.

think he is calling it quits, here. The Irish player goes down first.

Scotland is on top. So, instead of the throw-up, we have the thrown in.

And we are off again. John Barr. That is a good ball and the crowd

is getting behind the Scots for the first time. Jon Stewart. The keeper

catches it. Look at how he picked his man out, here. That is part of

the game. When the goalkeeper catches at and just puts it out.

Not even the long legs of Niall MacPhee could catch him. Scotland

stepping it up. The challenges are better and quicker. And the Irish,

this is the fastest part of the game. Both sides giving it

everything. They know that it is all or never, now. Keith MacRae.

Stopped in his tracks. It falls back to Scotland to get it back in

from midfield. Jon Stewart is after it. Tommy Walsh, eases him off the

ball! That was a strong shoulder. He might be a bigger name but he

can graft like the rest of them. That was a good take from John Barr.

Just drifting out. Just that lack of concentration, there. No. 17.

Drew Howie. Making his first appearance. He was caught on the

hop, there. This is probably too far right to strike from the dead

ball. Great skill to get it off the ground. John Barr, he has had a

good, stout five minutes. Look at that. He could put that up the High

Street. And it was white, which is good news for Scotland. Ireland

seemed to have missed an awful lot in the second half. I cannot recall

any match were the Irish have only scored one point in any have. It is

good defending. Scotland playing well midfield. That has changed

that. Here we go again. Good chance for Scotland, away to the left.

That overran. Jon Stewart. Tommy Walsh swung in the opposite way to

put the ball back to his own defender, which caught Jon Stewart

out. Norman Campbell does well. There is a lot to be said for

Norman Campbell coming back in the second half, it has certainly

tightened up the Scotland defence, Him and John Barr, the stalwarts at

the back. The man-of-the-match, three times. Scotland's Player of

the year. He was newly crowned last night. The captain of the Premier

League champions, Newtonmore. No. 5 for the Irish, coming back on. Any

Wotherspoon trying to get to groups. Shane Dooley. I would bet on him

picking something up in the latter stages because he knows that

Scotland will be tiring. This will head for Shane Dooley. Look at that.

It has gone over the bar. From open play. One point to the Irish.

McManus it was, this time. Scotland this time. Niall MacPhee. Nine - 19,

the score. The Irish breaking again. And again, they have raised the

pace and they are adding to the score again. 20 points, Ireland.

They have added another one here. Who else but Patrick Horgan. Picks

it up and it was perfect. So easy. Absolutely effortless for the Irish.

When they are in this frame of mind. Just as we talked about scoring one

or two points in the hall have, and now it is two points in 30 seconds.

It shows just how quickly they can turn it around. The other

difference for the Scotland team was the impact the dynamic Fe has

had. He has been sold. He is such a big lad. Known as the rhino. He

gets stuck in. He has been pivotal in games like this. Less than six

minutes left. Jon Stewart On The Run, down he goes again. There has

been a drop in temperature because the sun has gone away. The picture

will become increasingly slippery. Great credit to the ground staff,

the condition that the pitch has been end. Wonderful skill from

Patrick Horgan. Will he go all the way? Oh, no! Absolutely

outstanding! Complete performance by Ireland and Patrick Horgan from

County Cork. Taking it to 25 - nine, Ireland. Like the way back, we can

see this touch. Look at this. All figures. He only has one thing in

mind and he actually loses it, but still... Look at the ankle. Oh!

That was a half volley. And the sheer pace of the ball, taking it

beyond Macintosh. He knew where it was. But the sheer pace of the ball

past Tim... Stuart MacDonald is in goals, now. Limits, really. --

blameless, really. Scotland get that free HET. Well, it has been a

bit of a tanking, really but it has all been about the finishing.

Plenty of possession and besides but the difference has been that

lethal bit in front of the goal. Ireland are making complete use of

any chances. There was a chat before this that the goals would

help Scotland but as we have seen, that has not been the case. There

might still be something in this for the Scots. Tommy Walsh with the

clearance. The clash of the ash. That has been copyrighted at the

getting the ball from the Irish. Niall MacPhee, here. And the Irish

are making another substitute. The team were taking their time. They

will run the clock down. There is only three minutes left. Bionic fee

is going to rush Tommy Walsh, her. This should be something

interesting! What the big smile on his face! Here comes the rhino!

Bang! Wotherspoon did not quite like that. He would not want to be

Tommy Walsh. He is nobody's fool, he knows exactly what he is doing.

The nine-times All Star been nine years. This is all about the clock.

He is just having a laugh. ABBA let you tell him that! Beautifully

poised. Watch this. And he has put it wide. The end result that he has

run 30 or 40 seconds off the clock. Wonderful experience to be here at

Bught Park. For the second time. He was here two years ago. He is just

class. Knocking the ball into the corner, now. As the Irish look

towards the end of the game and two minutes to go. Comfortably ahead.

Just one goal in the second half. always seems to be somebody in

every game. There are going to be two minutes added on. It could be

an opportunity for the Scots, or likewise, for the Irish. John

Stewart sense it down, and across it comes. Again, good tackle by who

else? Tommy Walsh. A jazz for Scotland, it is stopped, and a goal

for Scotland! -- a chance. That has a goal to Bartlett for Scotland.

The high ball in, Norman takes a big swing at it, and a glance

perfectly. It could not have been better for them. He strikes it high

into the net. Leading the keeper with no chance. What Scotland can

only hope for now it is another call and tried to get the points

back. And here is a chance from midfield. Scotland have the ball.

This will go in front of the gall to give them a chance to try and

sneak another goal and possibly a bonus, which could count. Macdonald

has scored for Scotland! Remarkably. On the end of the match. A second

goal for Scotland. 19-25. These orders last year. The high ball

comes in. They are not used to this high bar, and as the goalkeeper

jumps up, that has gone in. And the referee has blown for full-time.

Shane Dooley at the far end. The game is over. The first tie is over.

Ireland have a taken the match, but an extraordinary closing sequence,

Ireland have taken the match by 25 points. Patrick Corbin, the star

man for the Irish. And another wonderful afternoon under the

compromise rules, Ireland have sportsmanship and friendship. Not a

yellow card in sight. Hardly an injury inside. The game was, as

ever, piers the contested by both teams in a wonderful spirit. --

fiercely contested. Wonderful finish from Scotland to got two

late goals, to turn it into a much from Scotland, not quick enough to

win the game, but certainly it keeps them alive and in the tie. It

was a dramatic close to the game. It was really all about Patrick

Horgan of Ireland. He was the dominant player. Fantastic, the way

he took his goals and created his goals, he was the stand-out

performer. That last goal, any shinty player would have been proud

of the way he turned his man had to get on a half volley. -- and took

it on the half volley. The have a chance to see that goal from

Patrick Gordon. It was great skill. That turn was absolutely fantastic.

The ball drops to the ground, he gets it back up, half of the, and

Stuart Mackintosh is a good goalkeeper but he could not stop

that one. At that stage, it looked as if the game was gone. But

Scotland Doug in and came back into it. -- dug in. At that point it was

looking ominous for Scotland but right at the death of they rallied

and it was inspiring, and suddenly the goal for Kevin Bartlett.

said that he would be a danger before the game, because of the

quality of his striking. He can hit it with both hands. He took his

points with his left hand, dropped it on to his right hand, and he

still hit it beautifully, that is a quality strike, from a great player

who can hit the ball with both hands. Scotland started to put the

Irish defence under a bit more pressure. If you do that, the ball

might drop. So that was fantastic. Their egos, Tommy Walsh does his

best to stop him but the goalkeeper and has got no chance from that

distance. Where did this Scotland resurgence come from? They kept

battling away. The goalkeeper produced many good saves and

Scotland finally got the water in the last few minutes. We're going

to cut away to the presentation and you Dan MacLennan can talk us

through it. -- Hugh Dan MacLennan. The Irish captain picks up the

Marine Harvest Quaich from the managing director of Marine Harvest.

Deserved victory. The man-of-the- match is Patrick Horgan, with a

complete display of harming skills, and then that wonderful rally --

hurling skills. Scotland keep the series alive, getting a bonus point

for those two goals. It has been a great afternoon, and there is more

to come next week. The presentation, Ireland, winners on the day, but

Scotland very much alive in this series. The way it works, Ireland

get two points for winning, plus two goals, a bonus point,

Scotland's scoring two goals, that is a bonus point, so there is

three-when in points at the moment, but, Scotland will be sorry to lose

but they have given themselves a chance. To get two goals and the

last couple of minutes is incredible. But they did not get

that last goal, the Irish would have the extra goals and points and

they could not have won the game next week, but this gives them a

fighting chance. The goalkeeper just seems to have jumped. We saw

it last year, with the goal from McRae, but that was an incredible

ending. In the first half, Scotland were giving away silly little bowls,

and the Irish were picking them up, left, right and centre. Those

couple of goals lifted the crowd and sent everyone off, on a better

than high. -- bit of a high. John Stewart missed that first chance,

and he just ran away from him. John Stewart playing that across again,

and again the goalkeeper did very well, he came out and blocked a

Shaun Nicholson. He did well to deflected wide. Scotland started to

put the Irish defence under a bit more pressure, and that was Keith

McRae with a good shot. He hits the ball and the Irish goalkeeper gets

his stick to it and manages to deflected wide. Scotland certainly

did better in the second half, as far as putting Ireland under

pressure, and it was not just in the last few minutes, they caught

the rock. And Scotland can now look forward to the second leg. There

was a stage when they were broking. The crowd were not getting behind

the boys, but here we have everyone walking away, getting excited, with

a bit of a buzz, looking forward to next week in Island. How difficult

would be? It will be difficult for Scotland, but they can go over to

Ireland the day before and get a full training session in, and they

know what they might have to do, they must win, and get some goals

to win the series. Can Scotland do it? Yes, but they must come up with

an answer to Patrick Horgan, if he shows that form again, if he is

playing next week, they have got to come up with an answer, because he

scored 23 points to the, All- Ireland's points. It has been a