Shinty: Kingussie welcome back key player for new season

Kingussie’s already rich attacking options were further strengthened when speedy forward James Falconer returned to training.

Falconer opted to take a year out at the end of the 2024 season after suffering several injuries but his comeback, coupled with Calum McLay’s signature from Glasgow Mid Argyll, means the Kings add to existing striking choices such as Ruaridh Anderson, Roddy Young, Dylan Borthwick and Savio Genini.

Falconer said: “I’m delighted to be back. I’ve always kept in contact with the boys even although I wasn’t playing as they’ve always been my friends.

“I hadn’t thought that much about coming back as I was enjoying being injury-free, but I also missed shinty at the same time, and I’m now ready to put the body on the line again.

“I had a chat with Ronald just before pre-season and he really wanted me to come back, and it didn’t take much to convince me. Training has been great so far, and I’ve felt like I’ve never been away.

“It’s been a tough pre-season so far, but it’ll be worth it come March. Ronald has great ideas for this year, so I’m delighted to be working under him.

“His shinty career speaks for itself and any forward that plays shinty would love to be coached by one of the best. It’s an honour to be coached by him and hopefully we can get off to a good start. Roll on the season.”

Kingussie manager Ronald Ross was equally pleased to have Falconer back.

He said: “James can be a massive player for us this season. I had a good chat with James and whilst I wanted him back, the most important thing was that he really wanted to come back, and he’s definitely convinced me of that. James has had a break but he said this was too good an opportunity to miss.

“He’s not really done anything for a year but he’s the type of guy who is naturally fit and he’s been training well and is looking good. James is a unique player and he’s full of energy.

“He’s a game changer and you need players like that when matches are tight. The whole club is delighted that he’s back in the fold.

“Roddy Young is fine after his injury which is a boost whilst Calum McLay has travelled up to take part in the weekly training sessions even although he can only do the fitness stuff at this stage as.

“Calum’s made a good impression already and he’s awaiting a medical update on his knee so isn’t doing any contact training as yet, but that will come.

“We need to improve in the forward areas next season so having James back, Roddy fit again, and Calum joining us adds to what we have already. Hard work during the preseason will help us get to where we want to be, but the initial focus is just on getting everyone back up to fitness.”

Skye head to The Dell for season opener

Meanwhile, the 2026 fixture list has just been released by the Camanachd Association and Kingussie’s quest for a sixth successive Mowi Premiership title begins with Skye Camanachd’s visit to The Dell on Saturday, March 7.

The match of the opening day is Newtonmore’s trip to Oban Camanachd, with these sides challenging for the title last year.

Col Glen’s first-ever match in shinty’s top-flight will take place at their Glendaruel pitch against Kinlochshiel whilst two valuable points are up for grabs as newly promoted Lochaber welcome Kyles Athletic. Scott McNeil’s first match in charge at Fort William is at home to Caberfeidh.

In the Mowi National Division, Lovat, relegated from the Premiership last year, have home advantage against Oban Celtic, newly promoted as Mowi South Division 1 champions.

In the Women’s Camanachd Association Premier League, champions Lochaber open at home to Skye whilst Badenoch travel to Inverness. Glenurquhart host Glasgow Mid Argyll.

[Source: Press and Journal]