CELTIC CUP FINAL GOES BACK TO STRACHUR

For the second successive year, one of shinty’s biggest occasions is coming to Cowal.
Following last year’s successful final at Strachur, the directors of the Glasgow Celtic Society have decided to take their showpiece cup final once again to the Cowal village.
The final of the AJG Parcels Celtic Cup - the oldest competition in the sport - is set to be played at Strachurmore Sports Centre on June 29.


The tournament was introduced in 1879, and pre-dates the Camanachd Cup by 17 years. It is  contested annually between south clubs and has been won a record 29 times by Kyles and 21 by cup holders, Inveraray.
It has been played outwith the city of Glasgow on just four  previous occasions, including last year’s clash between Inveraray and Taynuilt at Strachur. Inveraray hosted the final in 2011.
The decision to come to Strachurmore Sports Centre once again was influenced by the standard of facilities at the centre, comprising a newly-constructed community pitch and modern pavilion, along with good car parking availability.
Glasgow Celtic Society president, Duncan Cameron, said: “We were most impressed with the efforts made by local people to stage last year’s final, having had to overcome the disappointment of the late postponement on the original date, then to do it all again successfully one week later.
“This year’s draw has thrown up the prospect of a number of close ties in all rounds of the competition. We hope these ties will be well supported and, given favourable weather, we look forward to a cup final that will attract shinty followers from all over Argyll and far beyond to Strachur at the end of June.”
For the second year in succession, this season’s tournament is sponsored by Inverness-based delivery company, AJG Parcels, and operations director Fraser MacLean said: “AJG Parcels is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the prestigious Glasgow Celtic Society Cup.
“The company is proud to provide our services across the shinty playing regions of the south and north of Scotland.
“I look forward to an exciting competition and a fantastic final at Strachur in June.”
The chairman of the management committee that runs the Strachurmore Sports Centre, Willie Montgomery, said: “I speak for the whole committee when I say that we welcome the return of one of the most prestigious finals in shinty to Strachurmore Sports Centre.
“The village has a long association with the Celtic Cup, and we look forward to staging another successful final.”

2013 AJG Parcels Celtic Cup draw:
1^st round byes; Inveraray, Kyles Athletic, Bute, Oban Camanachd, Taynuilt
1^st round ties: Aberdour  vs  Strachur
Glenorchy vs Oban Celtic
Glasgow Mid Argyll vs Kilmory
2nd round ties: Inveraray vs Aberdour / Strachur
Glenorchy / Oban Celtic vs Oban Camanachd
Bute vs Glasgow Mid Argyll / Kilmory
Taynuilt vs Kyles Athletic
Semi-finals:
Inveraray / Aberdour / Strachur vs Glenorchy / Oban Celtic / Oban Camanachd
Bute / Glasgow Mid Argyll / Kilmory  vs  Taynuilt / Kyles Athletic
Cup Final: Saturday, June 29 at Strachur
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