Season of contrasting highs and lows at the Dell
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Tributes have been paid to one of the club’s legends as Kingussie reflected on a season of triumph and tragedy.
In the absence of a club president, Past President Russell Jones delivered the report to more than 50 attendees at the recent busy AGM.
He said: “2023 was a year, and a season, of highs, lows and extreme sadness for Kingussie Camanachd Club.
“We had mixed fortunes across our five different teams with the first team retaining three of the major trophies, the second team narrowly dropping out of their league and the primary team finding success again.
“However, all of this was overshadowed by the tragic passing of Calum Mackintosh, at just 19-years-old, in November.
“I think we were all at a loss to understand how this could happen and it is without doubt one of the saddest events in our club’s history.
“Calum was a hugely popular figure with his teammates, coaches, and our club’s supporters.
“We were all numbed and deeply saddened, and we should take strength from the way our club pulled together to support each other.
“That support, including professional counselling, will be there for as long as anyone feels they need it.
“Our thoughts are always with Iain, Ann, Ewan and Alan and they will always be a huge part of our club.”
Kingussie Chieftain Joe Taylor read a list of those people who have passed away during the year and there was special mention for former player, manager and administrator, Donnie Grant.
Mr Jones said: “Along with Ian Ross, there is no doubt that Donnie is one of the most important and influential figures in our club’s long story and he is a sad loss to our club and our community.”
As attention turned to matters on the pitch, Jones continued: “Our first team players and coaches had another hugely successful season, retaining the Camanachd Cup, the Premiership and MacTavish Cup whilst losing narrowly in the Macaulay Cup final.
“These are massive achievements, and we should not lose sight of that, even when we are in a successful period.
“Each game is difficult and any of these trophies is extremely difficult to win so congratulations again to all involved.
“We look forward to watching you go again in 2024.
“Congratulations also to Robert Mabon who was deservedly named Mowi national player of the year for season 2023.
“Our second team had a tough season, and this was in no small part due to first team injuries which meant players had to step up.
“This is exactly what the second team is for, and we would always want our players to aspire to first team shinty, but it does make it very difficult to retain a settled side in the seconds.
“At the final reckoning, we only lost out by a solitary point and were relegated. It has now happened so we should look upon it as an opportunity and look forward to new and exciting challenges next season.”
