BALLIEMORE CUP PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Iain Ferguson As the shinty season gets under way, local business Ferguson Transport and Shipping was announced as new sponsors of the Balliemore Cup as the draw for the ties was made at their Corpach headquarters. It was also a step back in time for company chief executive Alasdair (Ally) Ferguson, who 35 years ago as captain of Lochaber Camanachd held the cup triumphantly over his head to the cheers of hundreds of spectators in celebration of the team’s 4-0 win over Bute in the final. There may not have been quite so many people present when he lifted the cup on this occasion, but thanks to the Camanachd Association’s social media, fans from
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across the world were able to watch the proceedings. Ally’s participation in the sport stretches back more than 40 years as player, coach and manager, with virtually his whole family also having some shinty connection. Appropriately, fellow company directors, his brother Jack, who has played for several local teams and sister Lesley Innes, mother of shinty player and commentator Gary Innes, drew the numbered balls from inside the trophy, setting the course of matches which will lead to the cup final. The first round takes place on May 7 when Glengarry will play Skye at home, Ballachulish will meet Col Glen at home
and Lochaber will play away against Inverness. Ally said: ‘We are all delighted that Ferguson Transport and Shipping has been given the opportunity to sponsor the Balliemore Cup over the next three years and look forward to the competition, as I’m sure will all of the players taking part. ‘I remember quite clearly going to be presented with the cup in 1987 as captain of Lochaber and it was great to hold it again. The final is always very exciting and I know future winning teams will also have great memories to look back on.’
| MARCH 2022
Lochaber Life March 2022.indd 38
04/02/2022 16:31:28
