Shetland claims sixth consecutive shinty title on goal difference

Shetland won the National Shinty League on goal difference after a 3-0 victory over Caol-Gleann, ending the season tied on points with Bhaile Òr. The final match determined the champion because both teams finished with 33 points, but Shetland outscored their rivals by 12 goals. This result marks the sixth consecutive league title for the Shetland side.

The title race was tight until the final day. Bhaile Òr had led the table for much of the season and held a one-goal lead over Shetland in their first meeting. However, Bhaile Òr’s campaign faltered when they drew 0-0 against Caol-Gleann, a result that opened the door for Shetland. Shetland knew they had to win their remaining matches to claim the trophy, and they did so.

Ruairidh MacAnndrais, the Shetland manager, credited the squad’s resilience for the final triumph. He noted that the team faced persistent injury problems throughout the year, forcing them to rotate players and bring in new signings. "It has been hard and we have often been without players who were injured," MacAnndrais said. He added that the group accepted the challenge and worked together to close out the season.

Shetland’s league record was impressive despite the setbacks. They lost only two matches all season: one against Bhaile Òr in March and another against Camanachd an Òbain in the August semi-final of the MacAmhlaigh Cup, which went to extra time. Along with the league title, Shetland also retained the Camanachd Cup and the MacThommas Cup, completing a treble.

In the relegation battle, Caol-Gleann was officially relegated from the top flight. They required a nine-goal win over the Skye team to leapfrog Loch Abair, a feat that never appeared likely. The Skye side won 2-0, with both goals scored by Dan Dòmhnallach. Dòmhnallach had previously scored many goals against Caol-Gleann himself. This victory also lifted the Skye team above Cabar Fèidh in the standings.

The final weekend saw the completion of postponed fixtures for the Skye team, An Gearasdan, and Caol Bhòid. These games were not played, and the points were split. This administrative decision finalized the league table. The Shetland manager also pointed out that Caol-Gleann had given them a difficult game, adding to the complexity of the final weeks.

The outcome of the split points may have implications for future league structures. Some officials have proposed a new league format for 2027 that could affect how unplayed games are handled. Until that change is implemented, the current system stands, and Shetland’s sixth straight title is secured by the goal difference margin.