Kilkenny stars to feature in fundraising shinty game

Multiple All Ireland winners Jackie Tyrell and Tommy Walsh will be the main attractions at next Tuesday's, December 28, Clubhouse Charity Shinty Game at Lakepoint Park.Organised by the Westmeath county hurler and shinty/hurling compromise rules international Brendan Murtagh, the game will also feature a number of other compromise rules internationals including Offaly's Shane Dooley, top scorer in last year's All Ireland Hurling Championship, Eoin Nolan (Carlow), Stephen Clinch (Meath) and Laois stalwarts Willie Hyland and John Rowney.As you would expect, there will be a large local contigent with a number of the Christy Ring winning squad participating, while the glamour will be provided by members of Westmeath camogie squad.The game should certainly be a spectacle with the players having to come to grips with the unique demands of the Scottish game as organiser Brendan discovered when during training for this year's compromise rules series.“The big difference is that there is no catching or kicking in shinty. It takes a bit of getting used to at the start. The first instinct as a hurler is to catch the ball.”The throw-in for the fist shinty game ever to take place in Westmeath is at 2.30pm and will be followed by a function in The Clubhouse.For more information contact Brendan Murtagh on 086 1973332.