Shinty-hurling series set to return in October

The first post-pandemic shinty-hurling exhibition match between Ireland and Scotland will take place in Páirc Esler in Newry on Saturday, 21October.

A longstanding tradition bringing together top talents from both countries, the match will take place at 3pm, with the Down intermediate hurling final following at 5pm.

GAA president Larry McCarthy said: "On behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association, I welcome the resumption of our collaboration with our friends, and neighbours and sporting cousins in Alba agus An Cumann Camanachad to stage the Ireland-Scotland hurling-shinty international.

"This match is an opportunity to celebrate our ties and the cultural links between our proud peoples – chief among which are the games of hurling and shinty which share a common ancestor.

"Next year, the Gaelic Athletic Association will be 140 years old but, that is a mere trifle in the lifespan of hurling, which later this decade will mark 3,300 years in our consciousness.

"Rules have changed dramatically in the last 140 years, never mind 3,000. But what the games of hurling and shinty continue to champion are extraordinary levels of skill and feats of stamina and strength that people marvel at. "

Each organisation will select a 20-player squad to travel to Newry in the coming weeks.

Scotland, who have won nine of the 16 editions of the series including the last five, will be managed by Garry Reid and the Ireland team will be managed by former Damien Coleman.