Schools from across Scotland fight it out for Cuach na Cloinne 2013
More than 50 young Gaels from across Scotland will head to Inverness this week, all with their eye on some sporting glory.
The Cuach na Cloinne Finals 2013 will take place on Thursday, with schools from across Scotland battling it out for this year’s title.
The finals follow a series of regional competitions which took place in different parts of Scotland, with the top 10 teams qualifying for this week’s finals. 37 teams from 20 schools took part in the regional competitions. The teams which have made it through to the finals are, Back, Shawbost, Tollcross, Edinburgh (2), Fort William (2), Inverness, Dingwall, Portree and Kilmuir & Staffin.
Donald MacNeill, Chief Executive of CnaG, which runs the competition said, “It is extremely encouraging to see so many youngsters from all parts of Scotland taking part in the competition. Over 250 youngsters have played in the competition and it is obvious they have had a huge amount of fun. That is what Cuach na Cloinne is all about - that the young people get some exercise, an opportunity to meet other youngsters from across Scotland, an opportunity to use their Gaelic out with the schools and above all else that they go home having had a good positive experience. I expect the finals to be every bit as successful as the regional competitions and wish every team the best of luck.”
Gaelic-speaking Inverness City Provost Councillor Alex Graham said, “Cuach na Cloinne is a national football competition, which creates an opportunity for young people from schools across Scotland who attend Gaelic Medium Education to meet and compete against each other and combines their Gaelic linguistic and footballing skills in an inclusive and entertaining manner.
Six teams from various schools in the Highlands are participating and I am delighted that the young people have the opportunity to speak Gaelic and interact with their peers in informal settings at an event such as this.”
He continued, “The Council’s Gaelic Language Plan states that we will work with Comunn na Gàidhlig to support relevant sporting activities through the medium of Gaelic. Cuach na Cloinne shows that commitment being put into practice.”
The 2013 Cuach na Cloinne Finals will be held on Thursday 13th of June, starting at midday at Bught Park, Inverness.
Cuach na Cloinne is a national football competition for the Gaelic Primary Schools in Scotland and this year’s competition was funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and MG ALBA and run by Comunn na Gàidhlig.
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