Castlebay pupils almost reached the top in the Cuach na Cloinne 2023 schools football completion – but Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu beat Castlebay Community School in the National Final in Inverness yesterday (Wednesday 31 May.)
Cuach na Cloinne is a national 5-a-side football competition aimed at young people all over the country, with Gaelic, in P4-7.
Six regional competitions were held in Portree, Lionacleit, Stornoway, Inverness, Glasgow, and Oban, with the successful team from each competition earning their place in the final. The successful teams also won a new prize at these competitions, with new funding from Astar Media.
The six teams that participated in the final were:
- Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh
- Lionel Primary School
- Castlebay Community School
- Rockfield Primary School
- Craighill Primary School
- Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
The Cuach na Cloinne trophy was awarded by Marina Murray, Development Director at Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG).
The Sàr Neach Cleachdaidh na Gàidhlig award went to Struan Sutton from Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. This award is given to the player that had the best use of Gaelic during the competition chosen by the referees.
Marina Murray, Development Director at CnaG, who runs the competition, said: “It’s been excellent to have seen so many young people from all over Scotland taking part in the competition.
"Across the six regional competitions and the final, we saw incredible ability and skill both with Gaelic and with football. Cuach na Cloinne is about providing young people from all over the country with an opportunity to meet each other and have fun while playing football and developing their Gaelic ability and usage outwith the school environment. CnaG are very thankful to The Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their continued support with Cuach na Cloinne.”
Shona MacLennan, CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said:“Congratulations to the pupils of Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and indeed to each and every pupil who took part in the competition! It’s important for Bòrd na Gàidhlig to be involved in such an important project for young people in offering them opportunities to use their Gaelic outwith the classroom. Not only that but it adds to wellbeing and the aims of the National Plan to normalise Gaelic. Keep it up!”
Dr Donald Weir, Gaelic Support Officer for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are very happy to have been able to sponsor this successful event once again. Well done to all teams involved! Cuach na Cloinne has been integral over the years in offering young people the chance to use Gaelic in a natural setting, outside of the classroom, while also taking part in an activity that they enjoy.”
Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the Gaelic Committee at The Highland Council, said:“I’m delighted to be supporting Cuach na Cloinne as the event creates a special and memorable occasion which allows all the young people to use Gaelic within a sporting and fun environment, and it also allows the young people to meet peers from other schools across Scotland. I was present at the heat which took place in Skye, and I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate each team that took part today. You are all winners!”
Comunn na Gàidhlig are now preparing for Cuach nan Àrd-sgoiltean, which is set to take place next Wednesday 7 June.
Cuach na Cloinne 2023 is funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and The Highland Council, and organized by Comunn na Gàidhlig.