PICTURES: Newtonmore's Super Mac just keeps rolling back the years
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Forward Glen MacKintosh’s goalscoring exploits for Newtonmore have never been in doubt but it was also his role helping guide the team’s young players which was recognised at the Saturday’s annual shinty awards.
The veteran – now aged 44 – was given the Mowi North area leagues player of the year prize.
The Newtonmore seconds retained the Mowi North Division 1 title in 2023 in what was another great season whilst Glen MacKintosh was man of the match in the HIS Sutherland Cup final win over their Skye counterparts.
There was also acknowledgement of the work being carried out to support shinty in the other half of the strath.
Grantown-based Strathspey Camanachd had a double cheer when they were given the club development award at the Mowi awards and they also received a financial boost from the Co-op’s local community fund.
Strathspey’s youth development work was typified by a recent four-week block of shinty taster sessions aimed at S1 and S2 pupils at Speyside High School.
The club also thanked all Co-op members who chose Strathspey Camanachd as their local cause this year with the club receiving £3,273.82 which will help with the club’s future plans.
Newtonmore under-14’s unbeaten season was recognised at the event as the side, coached by Sean McQuarrie and Norman Campbell, took the Mowi youth coach of the year prize.
As well as winning Mowi North League 1 (Phase 2), the ‘More young guns also took the coveted MacMaster Cup, beating Skye Camanachd 13-1 in the final at the Bught Park, Inverness.
The talented Joe Coyle scored seven times in the final and it was no surprise when he was awarded the Mowi U14 player of the year trophy.
Amongst the other award winners on the big night were Lochaber’s Ally Ferguson who was named Mowi manager of the year after leading his side to both the Mowi National Division and Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup.
Ferguson said: “It’s been a remarkable season, topped off by this very prestigious award.
“It is great recognition, in particular for the players and my fellow coaches, who have turned the fortunes of our club around by hard graft and the ability to work as a team.
“We have lots more to do of course and it’s up another level for next season in the Premiership, but this award feels very special; it will take pride of place on the wall at home.
Lewis Camanachd’s Duncan MacIntyre was the Mowi North area leagues coach of the year whilst Des McNulty was given the Johnny ‘Ach’ MacRae Quaich for referee of the year.
