Fort William Shinty Club’s Awards Night was a great success with a
crowded Clubhouse of players, friends and family eager to discover who
had been chosen to receive the top accolades.
A remarkable achievement for Victor Smith who picked up awards for Best Trainer (shared), Best Goal Scored and Player of The Year 2023.
Perhaps the most poignant award for him was The Jack Buchannan Memorial Cup which was struck in memory of his grandfather who was a “legend” in Lochaber, playing in goal for all three local teams during his career.
It was also fitting that Jacks daughter Elizabeth was asked by the Club if she would present the Player of The Year trophy.
She readily agreed not knowing who had won this prestigious award and was absolutely
delighted to hear her son Victor’s name being called out making a moment to cherish for the family.
Victor was duly handed his grandfather’s trophy by his mother.
Archie Mackinnon was presented with the Fort’s Under 17’s Player of the Year trophy and collected his award amidst tumultuous applause.
Archie not only plays for the Under 17’s but has turned out at senior level for both first and second teams and draws admiration and encouragement from the supporters on the touchlines.
In announcing the award, Club Chairman, James Tangney said: “His vision and skill with stick and ball are a joy to watch.
“He is fleet of foot and has tremendous vision and knows the route to goal.
“Archie, and his younger brothers Angus and Aaron, were born with shinty sticks in their hands and are cracking young players making every Saturday a Family affair.
“A very well-deserved award and the Club in no doubt whatsoever that
there are many more to come.”
Jack Kearney collected the Most Improved honours for the Under 17s.
Under 14 Player of the Year went to Rory Knox for his great performance and field presence throughout the season showing skill and dedication while Arran MacPhee, Charlie Campbell and Ben Webb also took honours in the age group.
Second team Player of the Year went to Struan Stephens, who, judging by the cheers and applause as his name was called out, was an extremely popular choice.
Struan also gave a speech thanking everyone for the award and praising the coaches and office bearers of for their hard work behind the scenes in not only keeping the Club going, but encouraging players at all levels to be the best they could.
Ryan Cairns took the Most Improved accolade for the second team section.
Featured image: Award winning players of the First and Second teams. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. NO_F48_FortWilliamShintyClub_23_Awards 01