Skye's the limit as Invergarry shinty tournament makes welcome return

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Saturday saw the return of the Garry Girls annual indoor Johnstone Tournament after a two-year Covid break.

 

This year 10 teams took part with Glengarry, Badenoch, Kinlochshiel, Lochaber, Skye and Glenurquhart all entering one team with Inverness and Ardnamurchan each putting two teams forward.

 

Teams were placed in two leagues picked entirely at random with the top two teams of each qualifying for the semi-finals.

 

This year saw Badenoch come through unbeaten in League A scoring 22 goals, with Glenurquhart qualifying as runners up.

 

In League B Skye came through unbeaten scoring 17 goals, and Inverness B were runners up.

 

The first semi-final saw Badenoch pushed to the final whistle by Inverness B. It was a very close game, however, Badenoch secured their place in the final with a 6-3 win.

 

The second semi saw Skye take on Glenurquhart; again another great battle, this time Skye coming out the winners with a 5-1 win.

 

The 2023 final saw National Leagues rivals Badenoch take on Skye.

 

Skye's Holly MacLean pulled out all the stops and helped her side be crowned the 2023 Johnstone Tournament winners with a convincing 8-3 win.

 

Skye captain Rhainna Kirk, was presented with the Johnstone Cup.

 

The tournament's player of the day was Ardnamurchan's Ellon Munro, who impressed throughout the day and was presented with the shield.

 

"The club is delighted that this tournament has been running yearly since 1998, making it possibly the longest running competition in ladies' shinty and are indebted to our sponsor Mrs Ailsa Johnstone," said a Garry Girls spokesperson.

 

"Thanks also to our two referees Greame Cameron and Ian Kennedy, who officiated throughout our day and to all the teams who entered."

 

The tournament is provisionally booked for its return on the last Saturday in January 2024.