2024 Artemis Macaulay Cup Final – Preview

Oban Camanachd
Oban Camanachd’s 2-1 win over Kingussie in last year’s final was their first Macaulay success since 1995. 
Their path to this year’s final began with a 4-0 win over Oban Celtic. A 3-1 victory against Kyles Athletic followed before Glasgow Mid Argyll were despatched 8-1 in the semi-finals. All three ties were played at Mossfield.
Oban Camanachd boss Gareth Evans said: “The Macaulay Cup is huge in Oban and it’s always a target for us. We are the holders and Oban Camanachd have never retained the trophy so that’s a huge incentive. 
“We carried the disappointment from the Camanachd Cup semi-final defeat to Lovat but that’s behind us now and we all have our minds focused on the final. It’s our last chance for a national trophy this season and we need to play like we did in the opening hour against Lovat. 
“Playing the final at Mossfield is a massive advantage but Kingussie are difficult opponents and usually do enough to win games; that’s a good habit to have. 
“Both teams play shinty the right way and move the ball about really well.
“We are focused and if we all do our jobs, then I fancy our chances.”

Kingussie 
The Artemis Macaulay Cup is the only trophy Kingussie missed out on last year and, after lifting it for the three previous seasons, they want the cup back. 
This year’s Macaulay run started with an 8-1 win at Glenurquhart. Next up was a quarter-final tie against Kinlochshiel at the Dell where the Kings won 3-0. Lovat were beaten 4-2 in the semis to set up another final spot. 
Kingussie manager Iain Borthwick said: “All the boys are fit for final. It was helpful to rest Thomas Borthwick against Fort William last week as his calf was quite tight following training. Lee Bain came off as his hamstring was getting tight, but they should both be fine for this Saturday.
“You can never write off Oban Camanachd. They are a good, young team, and they can all play class shinty. They had a good result against Glenurquhart last weekend and I watched them in the Camanachd Cup semi against Lovat when I thought they were the better team over the course of the 90 minutes, but they just couldn’t put Stuart MacDonald in the Lovat goal under enough pressure in second half.
“Oban are at home which you would think is their advantage, but we’ve had good results at Mossfield over the years. Mossfield is such a good surface, a credit to the ground staff, and the size of the pitch will suit both teams. 
“We just need to correct last year’s mishaps and try and come home with the goods this year.
“Here’s hoping that this Saturday makes for another great final.”

C P Architects, Oban
CP Architects is an accredited and award winning company with a reputation for consistent innovation at the highest level of design.
Tel: 01631 563177
cparchitects.co.uk/

Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractor
Kenneth Ferguson is a domestic, commercial and industrial electrical contractor based in Connel, Argyll.
For advice and enquiries call
01631 710 862
Email: info@fergusonelectrical.co.uk
www.fergusonelectrical.co.uk/

Mathesons Furnishings
Mathesons is a local family run store supplying quality carpets, furniture, beds and curtains on the West Coast of Scotland.
Tel: 01631 565195
www.mathesons.co.uk/

Morham & Brotchie
Chartered Quantity Surveyors & Valuers
Offering the following services Quantity Surveying, Property Valuation, Home Reports, CDM Advisor Services, Project Management
Tel: 01631 563721. Email: admin@morhambro.co.uk
www.mb-qs.com/