SHINTYFAN'S CONVERTED

Refreshed and invigorated after watching a really great day of shinty at the women's finals this afternoon, Shintyfan is back.

And yes...women's shinty. You did read it correctly.
A died in the wool, born and bred, shinty to the core male, as well as being a card-carrying greetin' faced old fart - the women's event today (never having seen a full game before) was approached with a sort of sceptical it'll-never-be-as-good-as-men's-shinty attitude.
I am delighted to report that my prejudices have been well and truly blown out of the water.
The new Strachur pitch and a sizeable crowd were treated to two very entertaining games full of skill, endeavour and whole-hearted enthusiasm from every player on show.

On the field of play, a very good young Lochaber team won the Marine Harvest Challenge Cup against Strathglass, and Aberdour emerged triumphant from a hugely entertaining - and very dramatic - Valerie Fraser Cup Final versus pre-match favourites Glengarry.

But all that seemed almost incidental to the boost that this highly successful event has given to shinty, and women's shinty in particular.

The victorious Aberdour team, with Ronan the dog

Lochaber get busy with the fizzy after their win

I'm well and truly converted to women's shinty after today.

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a day of shinty as much - helped just a wee bit by the tea and home baking in the pavilion.

Well done to the organisers, officials, sponsors and clubs - but especially to the players.

You are - every one - a credit to the game of shinty.