Recognizing outstanding players and coaches at the Mowi Awards in Fort William
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Celebrating excellence in shinty: Mowi Awards highlight top talent
The annual Mowi Awards held in Fort William recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, and volunteers in the sport of shinty. This prestigious event not only honors individual excellence but also emphasizes the collective effort that drives the sport forward in Scotland.
Blair Morrison named national player of the year
Blair Morrison of Caberfeidh has been recognized as the national player of the year, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the game. Morrison, who has consistently been one of the top players in shinty, expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award.
“It’s obviously a great feeling to be recognized in this way, but it helped that we’ve made good progress as a team over the last few years,” he stated. His performance has been pivotal in leading Caberfeidh to a runner-up finish in the Mowi Premiership, showcasing his ability to dictate play from the back position.
Coaching excellence recognized
Iain Borthwick, manager of Kingussie, was awarded national coach of the year after guiding his team to a Grand Slam victory. Borthwick credited his players and coaching staff for their hard work and dedication. He highlighted the importance of fitness training led by Neil Bowman, who has been with the team since 1997, and the invaluable experience of Ali MacLeod, who has won numerous honors in the sport. Their collaborative efforts have created a winning environment that fosters talent and success.
Community and youth initiatives celebrated
The Mowi Awards also recognized the significant contributions of community clubs and youth initiatives. Fort William was honored as the community club of the year, reflecting its commitment to engaging young players through initiatives like the summer street league and the Lochaber Live event. Additionally, the youth awards went to Newtonmore brothers James and Joe Coyle, highlighting the importance of nurturing the next generation of shinty players.
Special recognitions and inspiring stories
This year’s awards featured several special recognitions, including the Johnny “Ach” MacRae Quaich for referee of the year, awarded to Steven MacLachlan, who made a remarkable recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match. His resilience and dedication to officiating exemplify the spirit of the sport. Kinlochshiel duo Conor Cormack and Keith MacRae were also acknowledged for their quick actions in providing life-saving first aid during the incident.
As the national shinty season concluded, clubs decided to share points in several remaining fixtures, including the highly anticipated match between Kinlochshiel and Kingussie, allowing the Kings to finish the season undefeated. The youth cup finals showcased the talent of young players, with Glenurquhart and Oban emerging victorious in their respective competitions.
The Mowi Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective spirit and community involvement that make shinty a cherished sport in Scotland. As the season wraps up, the focus now shifts to fostering talent and ensuring the continued growth of shinty for future generations.
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