English Shinty Association

The English Shinty Association (ESA) is the main body for promoting and encouraging the sport of shinty in England. The body's headquarters are in Penryn, Cornwall.

The English Shinty Association, Comann Camanachd Shasainn, Kowethas Kammonieth Inglond
AbbreviationESA
Formation2013
TypeSports federation
HeadquartersPenryn, Cornwall
Membership
Shinty clubs based in England
Official language
English, Scots Gaelic, Cornish, Doric
Chairperson
Jo Claridge
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/englishshintyassociation

History of shinty in England

Shinty was previously played widely in England in the 19th century and early 20th century, with teams such as London Scots, Bolton Caledonian, Cottonopolis and evidence to suggest it was played in some form in Cumberland, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Nottingham, Cornwall and Lincoln. Nottingham Forest F.C. was established by shinty and bandy players[1] as Nottingham Forest Football and Bandy Club.[2] There is evidence to support that Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge were used for shinty matches in the 19th century.[1]

Shinty died out in England until only London Camanachd remained and they themselves struggled throughout the late 20th century into the new millennium. There was a Northallerton Camanachd in the late 60s to early 80s, and interest was maintained by the links to the nearby military base, but they only competed periodically.

The revival of the London Club has sparked interest in Cornwall, and Cornwall were finally able to offer London some 'local' opposition in March 2012. London's success grew and the English Capital's side hosted a successful tournament in September 2011 featuring the hosts, Cornwall and the SCOTS Camanachd. [3] The influence of the SCOTS and the tradition of English shinty being run by Scottish university graduates saw the resurrection of shinty in Northallerton under the name Northallerton Shinty Club.

Atkins UK donated Helmets to the association to help provide protection, especially to the youth players, at club and international level.

Recent history

The English Shinty Association was founded in 2013 by three ex-University Shinty players with a passion for reviving the game in England. The three players in question, Matt Mossop, Graham Love and Alan MacDonald, had already founded/revived teams in their respective areas, Cornwall, London and Northallerton.

With London crowned English Champions at the Shinty Shop Challenge Cup on goal difference over Cornwall at Bristol's expense, ESA organized the historic first shinty international against the USA in 2013 (England 2- USA 0), ESA entered the Bullough Cup for the first time in 2013, whilst its constituent teams were represented at St Andrews Sixes in 2013.

Expansion continued in 2014, entering the Bullough Cup, running a tour to Scotland and various festivals being run in London, Cornwall and other locations in England.

Structure

The association currently supports four clubs: Cornwall Shinty Club, Oxford Shinty Club (set up in 2013), University of Nottingham Shinty Club (established 2015) and the oldest shinty club in England, London Camanachd.

The association also supports development sides in Northallerton Shinty Club, The North West, East Anglia and Bristol.

The committee was expanded in 2014 to facilitate the development of Women's and University Shinty as well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the association. An English Universities Championship will be held for the first time in 2014-15.

The English Shinty Association is an affiliated member of the Camanachd Association, the world's governing body for shinty.

Clubs and teams

The association has a varied range of teams under its auspices.

  • English Shinty Team, which competes in Scottish cup competitions.

There are two major clubs in England who are affiliated as separate members of the Camanachd Association.

  • London Camanachd, the oldest team in England, which have a long history of competition in Scottish cup competitions.
  • Cornwall Shinty Club, who also function as the co-ordinating club for shinty activity in South West England.

There are five teams in the SW League:

  • Mabe Shinty Club
  • CSM Gold
  • CSM Blue
  • Devon
  • Mylor Cons

The student teams also compete as Camborne School of Mines Shinty Club.

The association also hosts the following sides:

  • North Shinty Club

Competitions

The association runs the English Shinty Championship, played for the Shinty Shop Challenge Cup. This was first played in 2012 in Flax Bourton. 2013 was played in Bristol.

Winners of English Championship
  • 2012 Title Shared - London & Cornwall
  • 2013 London
  • 2014 London
  • 2015 Cornwall
  • 2016 Cornwall
  • 2017 Cornwall
  • 2018 London
  • 2019 London

International activities

For more information see English Shinty Team

The association co-ordinates the English Shinty Team. In 2013 The English side competed in the Bullough Cup against Tayforth Camanachd, but were beaten 11-1. [4]

They also participated in an International challenge match against the USA, where England ran out 2-0 winners.

References
  1. Herbert, Ian (9 September 2006). "Top football clubs played host to Scots sport of shinty". The Independent. London.
  2. Encyclopedia of traditional British rural sports. Books.google.co.uk.
  3. Neil Drysdale (19 September 2012). "Spreading gospel is proving to be a labour of Love (From Herald Scotland)". Heraldscotland.com. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  4. "2013 Bullough Cup Draw". Skyecamanachd.com. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
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