Beauly full forward Finlay MacLennan goes under our Shinty Spotlight this week.
The 18-year-old, whose side gained promotion to the National Division last weekend, speaks about the highs and lows he’s experienced in the sport so far.
What is your earliest shinty memory?
My earliest memories would have been when I was at the (Inverness) Gaelic Primary School, or BSGI, and I’d always go around to my uncle’s house afterwards and played shinty in the back garden with him – almost every day.
Who was senior debut against and what was the result?
My debut ended in a 1-1 draw away to Oban Celtic and I scored the 89th-minute equaliser, which made it a pretty special day.
What is your best moment in shinty so far?
The best moment so far would probably be winning the MacTavish Juvenile Cup, at under-17 level. We beat Kingussie 4-0 in the final at Beauly. It was the team I had grown up with all the way from P1-P3.
We were quite a successful junior side, so to top if off by winning that trophy was just amazing.
And the worst?
We lost the Balliemore Cup final against Skye last year and that was not the best of days.
Thankfully, we won the cup this year (defeating Inveraray 5-1 in the final) and we beat Skye on the way there, but losing in last year’s final was tough.
A relieved Beauly manager Niall MacLennan gives his thoughts following their 1 – 0 victory over Inveraray on 29th October 2022 – Mowi National Div #shinty pic.twitter.com/cPndLgehUc
— Shinty (@camanachd) October 29, 2022
What is the worst injury you have suffered?
I’ve thankfully not suffered any bad injuries. In the under-14s, I had to get a few stitches to the knee, but no broken bones so far!
Who is the joker in the team?
It would have to be Ryan Mackay – I don’t think there is any doubt about that.
What is your favourite away ground?
I’d say Caberfeidh. They have a nice pitch and you know you’ll always get a good game of shinty there.
Who is the rival player you would have loved in your team and why?
Craig Morrison from Caberfeidh because he is lethal at full forward. He can score against any team in the league.
What is the favourite goal scored by you or a team-mate?
My favourite goal would be by my team-mate Ryan Mackay last Saturday in the 1-0 win against Inveraray to secure our promotion. It was a 93rd-minute winner and it felt amazing.
It was a very scrappy game and it all led up to that moment when the goal went in and it was celebrations all round. It felt good.
Describe the sport in three words?
Exciting, challenging, rewarding.
*** Beauly will be crowned National Division champions on Saturday IF chasers Skye lose at third-placed Inveraray in a game which starts a 2pm at The Winterton.
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