Former Kilkenny star, Michael Kavanagh, is a member of the Ireland management team for Saturday's Hurling-Shinty International against Scotland.
By John Harrington
Current Irish team selector, Michael Kavanagh, has happy memories about his own experience of playing against Scotland in the Hurling-Shinty International series.
He was triumphant on both occasions, but it was the experience of playing alongside Cork’s Diarmuid O’Sullivan in the 2002 test in Croke Park that stands out the most.
There would have been no love lost for ‘The Rock’ by Kilkenny hurlers in those days, but on that occasion Kavanagh was glad to have him on his side.
“It was an experience!”, says Kavanagh. “It's a game that probably suited him and his robust nature. He did a lot of the heavy lifting that day and I was happy to play in behind him. He was a good one, he certainly minded me out there.
“He was a good bit of stuff and any time he took to the field you knew what you were going to get. He was very highly committed and highly skilful as well, he could play both ways, and it was nice to get the chance to play with him that day.”
Both of the Hurling-Shinty internationals that Kavanagh played against Scotland were physical affairs, and he’s made it very clear to this year’s team that getting stuck in will be a pre-requisite if Ireland are to come out on top.
“It's a tough game and you probably need to get in close to your opponent because they play with a larger stick than what we're used to,” he says.
“They're very skilful. Their skill level would surprise you as regards what they can do with a smaller stick.
“It's their national game and they're very proud of it as well, and both teams like to showcase their skills and talents to the best of our ability.
“If you look over the series there hasn't been much between the teams. Scotland are edging the series and the last time it was played in 2019, Ireland went down fairly poorly. So we're just hoping for a good showing to get this series back up and running in Páirc Esler.
“We think we've put together a strong, capable panel, who are physical and highly skilful so hopefully we'll be able to show off our talent to the best of our ability. It's been a great series and hopefully this will relaunch it for many years to come.”
In attendance, from left, Ireland player Peter Duggan, Ireland selector Terence McNaughton, Ireland manager Damien Coleman, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Larry McCarthy, Camanachd Association president Steven MacKenzie, Scotland player Ruairidh Anderson and Ireland player David Fitzgerald at the Hurling Shinty International 2023 launch at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Tomorrow's match in Páirc Esler is the first Hurling-Shinty test since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Kavanagh is delighted that hurling has an international outlet again.
“It's a prestigious competition because it's not often as a hurler you get the opportunity to represent your country and pull on a green jersey,” he says.
“The footballers used to get to tour Australia whereas for the hurlers the only international outlet was these matches against Scotland.
“Anytime I got that opportunity I was gladly available. And this year the interest and uptake from the players that we've invited and selected has been terrific.
“Because we no longer have a Railway Cup for provinces, the highest honour for a hurler after playing for their county is playing in this shinty series. It's a huge opportunity for any player to represent their country in any sport.
“Our players have certainly embraced the challenge in the last couple of weeks at training. The sessions have been great and the players are right behind the concept and we just hope we can kick on now and deliver.”
Saturday, October 21
Hurling-Shinty International
Ireland v Scotland, Páirc Esler, Newry, 2.45pm. (TG4 YouTube channel)
